PRINCETON,  N.  J. 


Shelf 


BV  4821  .Al  1892 
Thomas,  1380-1471. 
Meditations  on  the  life  of 
Christ 


MEDITATIONS 


ON 


THE   LIFE   OF   CHRIST. 


MEDITATIONS 


LIFE   OF  CHRIST 


Thomas  a  kempis 


TRANSLATKD     AND     KDITED     BY 
THE     VEN.     ARCHDEACON     ^A/RIGHT,     M.A. 

RECTOR    OF   GREATHAM,    HANTS 
AND 

THE     REV.     S.     KETTLE\A/^ELL.     M.A. 

LATE  VICAR  OF  ST.  MAKK's   VVOODHOUSE,  LEEDS 


WITH     A      PREFACE     BY     THE     LATTER 


E}  (J  fijUt  6(5of  KoX  7j  d?ir/0eta  koI  t]  (dtj  "   oi'delc  ipxerai  ~pui  rbt 
narepa,  si  fifi  iW  ifiov. — St.  John  xiv.  6. 


NEW    YORK 

E.    P.    DUTTOX     &     COMPANY 

31  West  23d  Street 

1892 


Copyright, 
E.    P.    DUTTON    &    COMPANY, 

1802. 


SDctiicatcti 

TO  THE    MOST  REVEREND   HIS   GRACE    THE 

LORD  ARCHBISHOP  OF  CANTERBURY,  D.D. 
Primatf  of  all  (Knglanfl, 

WITH    PROFOUND   RESPECT   AND   DUTIFUL 
OBEDIENCE   IN    CHRIST. 


CONTENTS. 


Preface iii-liii 


PART  I. 

FROM   THE   INCARNATION  OF   CHRIST  TO  HIS 
PASSION. 

CHAPTER  PAOB 

I.     A  Meditation  or  Prayer  calling  on  us  to 

praise  God  for  His  Excellent  Greatness      5 
II.     On  the  Creation  of  the  First  Man,  and 

His  Miserable  Fall 9 

in.     On  the  Recovery  of  Man,  and  the  Prom- 
ise of  Christ's  Advent 11 

IV.     On  the  Redemption  of  the  Human  Race 
through  the  Mystery  of  the  Incarnate 

Word 12 

V.     On  the  Nativity  and  Poverty  of  Jesus . .     16 
VI.     On  the  Trials  and  Wants  of  Jesus  in 

Poverty 18 

VII.     On  the  Cries  of  the  Infant  Jesus 20 

Vin.     On  the  Nurture  of  the  Infant  Jesus 22 

EX.     On  the  Painful  Circumcision  of  the  In- 
nocent Jesus 23 

05) 


Contents. 

CHAPTER  PAOK 

X.     On  tlie  (jiving  the  Most  Sweet  and  Sav- 
ing Name  of  Jesus 25 

XI.     On  the  Manifestation  of  Jesus,  and  the 

Devout  Offerings  of  the  Holy  Kings . .     27 
XII.     On  the  Purification  of  the  Blessed  Mary, 
and  on  the  Presentation  of  the  Child 

Jesus 31 

Xm.     On  the  Persecution  of  Jesus,   and  the 

Flight  into  Egj^it 33 

XrV.     On  the  Holy  Innocents,  Slain  by  Herod 

for  the  Name  of  Jesus 35 

XV.     On  the  Finding  Jesus  in  the  Temple ...     37 
XVI.     On  the  Holy  and  Hidden  Life  of  tlie 

Lowly  Jesus 38 

XVII.     On  the  Baptism  of  Jesus,  and  Our  Sanc- 

tification  in  Water 40 

XVill.     On  the  Fasting  and  Temptations  of  the 

Invincible  Jesus 42 

XrX.     On  the   Holy  Preaching   and   Salutary 

Doctrine  of  Jesus 44 

XX.     On  the  Glorious  Miracles  and  Benevo- 
lence of  Jesus 46 

XXI.     On  the  Example  and  Holy  Conversation 
of  Jesus,  and  on  His  Tribulation  in 

the  World 49 

XXH.     On  the  Feast  of  Palms,  and  the  Lowly 

Riding  of  Jesus  into  Jerusalem 51 

XXIII.  On  the  Lord's  Supper,  in  which  Jesus 
Christ  instituted  the  Sacrament  of  His 

Most  Precious  Body  and  Blood 55 

XXrV.  On  the  Washing  the  Feet  of  the  Disci- 
ples, and  the  Holy  Discoui-se  of  Jesus 
at  Supper 57 


(6) 


Cnntent.s 


PART  11. 

ON  THE  PASSION  OF  CHRIST  UNTIL  HIS 
RESURRECTION,  ACCORDING  TO  THE 
FOUR  EVANGELISTS. 

CHAPTER  PAGE 

I.     On  the  Selling  of  Jesus  by  the  Perfidious 

Traitor  Judas 65 

II.     On  the  Sorrow  and  Dread  of  Jesus  borne 

for  us 66 

III.  On  the  Threefold  Prayer  of  Jesus;  on 

the  Bloody  Sweat;  on  the  Angelic 
Comforting;  and  on  Renouncing  His 
OAvn  Will 68 

IV.  On  tlie  Voluntary  Going  Forth  of  Jesus 

to  His  Passion,  and  His  Great  Meek- 
ness in  the  Hour  of  His  Betrayal ....      70 
V.     On  the  Apprehension,  the  Binding,  and 
the  Leatling  Away  of  Jesus  to  Annas 

the  High  Priest 73 

VI.     On  the  Lea\-ing  Jesus  in  the  Hands  of 
His  Enemies,  and  on  the  Flight  of  the 

Disciples 77 

VII.     On  the  Bringing  Jesus  before  Annas,  and 
on   the    Smiting   Him    on    the  Right 

Cheek  81 

Vni.     On  the  Three  Denials  of  Christ  by  Peter, 
and  His  Bitter  Weeping,  when  Jesus 

looked  upon  Him 83 

IX.     On  the  Leading  Away  of  Jesus  to  Caia- 
phas,  the  High  Priest,  and  His  False 

Accusation 86 

(7) 


Contents. 

CHAPTBR  PAGE 

X.     How    Jesus    was    Mocked,    Spit    upon, 
Blind-folded,  Smitten  on   the  Cheek, 

and  Buffeted 89 

XI.     On  the  Bringing  of  Jesus  bound  before 

Pilate  the  Governor 93 

XII.     On  the  Derision  of  Jesus  by  Herod  and 

His  Soldiers 96 

XIII.  Of  the   Wicked  Clamor   of   the  Jews, 

"  Crucify  Him  !     Crucify  Him  !  " 98 

XIV.  On  the  Stripping  and  Scourging  of  Jesus  103 
XV.     On  the  Stripping,   Mocking,  Crowning, 

and  Smiting  of  the  Head  of  Jesus ....    106 
XVI.     On  the  Unjust  Condemnation  of  Jesus  to 

the  Death  of  the  Cross 115 

XVn.     On  Jesus  carrying  the  Cross,  and  being 

led  to  the  Place  called  Calvary 118 

XVin.     On  the  Crucifixion  of  Jesus,  and  on  His 

Hanging  High  and  Long  on  the  Cross  127 
XIX.     On  the  Wounds  of  Jesus,  and  the  Shed- 
ding His  Precious  Blood 136 

XX.     On  the  Tender  Pleading  of  Jesus  for  His 

Enemies 140 

XXI.     On  the  Stripping  off  and  DiAading  the 

Garments  of  Jesus 145 

XXII.  On  the  Revilings  of  the  Jews,  and  the 
Mighty  Perseverance  of  Jesus  on  the 
Cross 150 

XXIII.  On  the  Words  spoken  to  the  Thief  on 

the  Cross 156 

XXIV.  On  the  Remarkable  Superscription  of  the 

Name  of  Jesus,  placed  over  His  Head  163 
XXV.     On  the  Compassion  of  Thy  Sorrowing 
Mother,  and  the  Mutual  Commending 
of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary  and  St. 
John 168 


('ontents. 

CHAPTER  PAOB 

XXVI.     On  the  Loud  Cry  of  Jesus  on  the  Cross  : 

Eli,  Eli,  Lama  Sabachthani 174 

XXVIL     On  the  Thirst  of  Jesus  on  tlie  Cross,  and 

on  His  Bitter  Cup 180 

XXVIIL     On   the   Word  of    Consummation    pro- 
nounced by  the  Mouth  of  Jesus 184 

XXIX.     On  the  Solemn  Death  and  Expiring  of 
Jesus,  and  His  Last  Words  from  the 

Cross 190 

XXX.     On  the  Victorious  Death  of  Jesus  our 

Redeemer 204 

XXXI.     On  the  Cruel  Piercing  of  the  Holy  Side 

of  Jesus  Christ 209 

XXXII.     On  the  Taking  Down  of  Christ  from  the 

Cross 216 

XXXIII.     On  the  Reverend  Burial  of  Jesus  Christ.  219 


PART  III. 

ON  THE  RESURRECTION  OF  CHRIST  AND 
HIS  SEVERAL  APPEARANCES. 


I.  On  the  most  victorious  Triumph  of  our 
Lord  Jesus  Christ  on  the  Cross  over 
Death  ;  and  on  His  most  joj-f  ul  Resur- 
rection from  the  Sepulchre 229 

II.     On  the  devout  visiting  of  the  Holy  Sepul- 
chre of  the  Lord  Jesu  Christ 238 

ni.     On   the   appearance   of  Jesus  to  Mary 

Magdalene  in  the  form  of  a  Gardener  247 
IV.     On  the  exemplary  Graces  and  Privileges 

of  the  blessed  Mary  Magdalene 257 

V.     On  the  gi'eat  Compunction  of  Mary  Mag- 
dalene in  the  Passion  of  the  Lord ....   262 
(9^ 


Confenfs. 

CHAPTER  PAOK 

VI.  On  the  Appearance  of  Christ  to  St.  Peter 
in  secret,  and  on    Rt.   Peter's  running 

with  St.  John 267 

VII.     A  Prayer  to  obtain  from  God  the  Grace 

of  Tears 272 

VIII.     On  the  Advantage  and  Grace  of  holy  Tears  276 

IX.     On  the  Tears  of  Jesus  over  Lazarus 277 

On  the  Tears  of  Jesus  over  Jerusalem ....   278 
X.     On  the  Appearance  of  Christ,  under  the 
form  of  a  Stranger,  to  two  Disciples 

going  to  Emmaus 282 

XI.  On  the  Recognition  of  Christ  in  the  Break- 
ing of  Bread 286 

XII.  On  the  Appearance  of  Christ  to  the  Disci- 
ples in  Jerusalem,  when  it  was  late, 
and  the  doors  were  shut 291 

XIII.  On  the  Appearance  of  Christ  on  the  Oc- 

tave of  the  Feast  of  Easter,  when  St. 

Thomas  was  present 298 

A  Prayer  to  obtain  the  peace  of  mind, 
which  Christ  gave  to  His  Disciples. .  . .   301 

XIV.  On  the  Touching  of  the  Sacred  Wounds 

of  Christ  by  the  hand  of  St.  Thomas 

the  Apostle 304 

On  the  gi'eat  Grace  of  Devotion,  and  the 
firm  Faith  of  the  Apostle  St.  Thomas. .   307 
XV.     An  Address  on  the  five  Sacred  Wounds  of 

Jesus  Christ 310 

XVI.     On  the  Armor  of  Christ ;  the  Cross,  Nails, 

Spear,  and  Crovra  of  Thorns 316 

XVII.     On  the   Appearance  of  Christ  to   Seven 
Disciples,   when  they  were  fishing  in 

the  Sea  of  Tiberias 325 

XVIII.     On  the  Feasting  of  Christ  with  the  same 

Disciples 331 

(10) 


Conttntis. 

CUAPTEH  PAOK 

XIX.  On  the  loving  discourse  of  Jesus  with  St. 
Peter  and  St.  John  the  Apostle,  concern- 
ing the  love  of  Him 'd'M 

XX.     On  the  Appearance  of  Christ  to  the  eleven 

Disciples  on  Mount  Tabor,  in  Galilee. . . .   34l! 


PART  IV. 

ON   THE  ASCENSION,  PENTECOST,  AND 
CERTAIN  OTHER   MATTERS. 

I.     On  tlie  Ascension  of  our  Lord,  and  His  Ap- 
pearance      349 

II.     On  the  Appearance  of  the  Angels  in  white 

apparel 355 

III.  On  the  sending  of  the  Holy  Ghost  upon  the 
Apostles  of  Christ,  at  the  Feast  of  Pente- 
cost    358 

rV.  A  Prayer  of  Thanksgiving  to  Clirist  for  His 
Incarnation,  Passion,  Resurrection,  and 
Ascension ;  and  for  sending  the  Holy 
Ghost  with  a  fuller  outpouring  of  gifts .  .  .  362 
V.  A  Prayer  concerning  the  gifts  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  against  divers  disorders  of  the 
soul 365 

VI.  A  Prayer  for  the  grace  of  devotion  in  the 
performance  of  Holy  Offices,  and  on  the 
cheerful  praise  of  the  Angels  in  Heaven. .  368 
VII.  On  the  Preaching  of  the  Apostles,  and  pro- 
claiming the  holy  Name  of  our  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  throughout  the  world,  for  the  sal- 
vation of  man 3  74 


(11) 


PREFACE. 


THE  fuU  title  of  this  work  is,  "  De  Vita  et 
Beneficiis  Jesu  Christi  Salvatoris  Nostri 
Meditationes  et  Orationes.''  In  the  table  of 
contents  for  the  third  volume  of  Sommaliiis's 
''Opera  Omnia"  of  Thomas  a  Kempis*  it  is 
simply  spoken  of  as  "  De  Vita  Christi  Medita- 
tiones " ;  and  so  at  the  headings  of  the  pages — 
on  the  one  side  we  have  "  De  Vita  Christi,"  and 
on  the  other,  "  Meditationes.''  t  It  is  found  in 
the  second  edition  of  the  above  work.  It  occu- 
pies rather  more  than  a  hundred  pages  with  an 
index  at  the  end ;  and  is  jjlaced  at  the  begin- 

•  2d  Ed.,  Antwerp.  1G07.  small  4to. 
t  Other  titles  are  given,  viz.  : — 

1.  "  Liber  Orationum  De  Vita  Domini":  MS.  of 

Contemporary  Biographer,  and  end  of  15th 
Century. 

2.  "  Meditationes  in  Vitam  Christi "  :    the  Bnx- 

heim  MS. 

3.  "Orationes  in  Totam  Vitam  Christi":   1626, 

Cologne. 

4.  "  Oraciones  y  Meditaciones  de  la  Vida  de  Jesu 

Christo,  N.S.":    1661.   Brussels.     But  all 
refer  to  one  and  the  same  treatise. 


iv  Preface. 

ning  of  the  tliii-d  volume,  double  columns,  small 
tj-pe.  It  does  not  appear  in  the  first  edition, 
and,  after  its  appearance  in  this  second  edition, 
it  disappears  altogether,  in  a  strange  and  most 
unaccountable  manner,  without  any  explana- 
tion, in  all  future  editions.  This  has  tended  in 
no  small  degree  to  discredit  the  work.  To  this 
subject  some  reference  will  shortly  be  made. 

But  the  fii'st  and  principal  question  that  will 
be  asked  is.  How  do  we  know  that  this  "  De 
Vita"  was  written  by  Thomas  a  Kempisf 
What  other  evidence,  besides  its  aj^peai-ance  in 
this  edition,  is  there  that  he  was  the  author  of 
it  ?  It  is  important  to  give  an  answer  on  this 
point  before  we  proceed  further,  because  it  may 
be  said,  "  Its  appearance  in  only  this  one  edition 
is  sUght  ground  to  build  upon,  and  unless  you 
have  some  more  satisfactory  and  decisive  proof 
to  produce,  you  are  not  justified  in  so  deliber- 
ately speaking  of  the  '  De  Vita  Christi  Medita- 
tiones '  as  the  work  of  Thomas  a  Kempis." 

Happily  we  have,  quite  apart  from  Somma- 
lius,  far  more  certain  evidence  to  depend  upon, 
to  assure  us  that  Thomas  a  Kempis  was  un- 
doubtedly the  author  of  it.  A  contemporary 
but  unknown  writer,  soon  after  the  death  of 
Thomas,  gives  a  short  biogi'aphy  of  him ;  from 
which  it  is  evident,  that,  whether  the  contempo- 
rary lived  on  Mount  St.  Agnes  with  the  Kempen, 


Preface.  t 

or  in  the  mother-house  at  Wintleslieini,  not 
many  miles  distant,  or  only  intimately  knew 
some  of  the  Brethren,  he  was  evidently  well 
acquainted  with  what  Thomas  did,  and  what  he- 
wrote.  He  it  is  who  gives  us  that  pleasing 
anecdote  about  him,  that,  when  a  wave  of  fer- 
vent devotion  came  over  him,  he  would  ask  leave 
of  the  Brethren,  with  whom  he  might  be  talk- 
ing, to  withdraw,  under  the  plea  that  some  one 
was  waiting  for  him  in  his  cell.  He  reth*ed  to 
hold  communion  with  his  Sa^'iour.  This  writer 
of  his  life  then  adds,  that  we  have  the  result 
or  fruits  of  this  frequent  and  sacred  intercoui'se 
with  Jesus  in  some  of  the  books  and  treatises 
which  he  wrote.* 

This  gives  the  contemporary  writer  occasion 
to  say  in  conclusion  that,  as  few  knew  what 
Thomas  had  written,  he  would  put  down  very 
specifically  a  catalogue  of  his  works.  Ha\ing 
told  us  that  this  devout  Father  died  in  the  year 
1471,  he  continues : — "  Et  quia  multos  Tractatus 
seripsit  et  dicta^-it  in  \'ita,  et  pauci  sciunt.  quo- 
modo  intitulantur  vel  vocantur,  ideo  tabulam 
de  ejus  Tractatibus  et  Libris  hie  intitulare  et 
scribere  intendo,  ut  omnes  qui  legimt,  vel  audi- 
unt,  possint  scire,  quot  sunt.'' 

*  See  Eusebius  Amort,  Moralis  Certitudo  pro  Ven  : 
Tlioma  Eempensi,  4to,  Augiista  Vindelicorum,  1764,  p. 
145. 


vi  Preface. 

And  in  the  "  Titiili  Librovum  et  Tractatnum  " 
given,  we  have  at  No.  34  the  very  book  now 
under  consideration,  named  and  specified.  It 
is  mentioned  and  set  fortli  in  these  words : — 

"  Liber  Orationum  De  Vita  Domini.  Domi- 
mis  Deus  mens,  laudare  te  desideroJ' 

The  latter  words  in  italics  are  those  with 
which  the  book  begins,  and  are  given  to  make 
it  clear  that  it  is  the  identical  work  alluded  to, 
so  that  there  might  be  no  mistake.  It  is  in  this 
manner  that  the  biogi-apher  indicates  the  books 
of  the  "  De  Imitatione  Christi,"  which  are  found 
separately  noted,  after  this  form  : — 

''5.  Libellus  sententiarum  et  verbonim  hu- 
miUs  Jesu.  Alias  vocatur  de  Imitatione  Christi, 
scilicet;  Qui  sequitur  >»p." 

''  Secundus  Traetatus.  Regnum  Dei  intra  vos 
est."  The  words  in  italics  being  those  with 
which  the  first  and  second  books  of  the  Imita- 
tion begin.* 

The  writer  of  these  sacred  colloquies  with 
Jesus,  whilst  desbous  that  pious  Christians 
should  have  the  benefit  of  the  precious  thoughts 
contained  in  them,  wished,  nevertheless,  to  re- 
main liidden  from  the  world  :  a  line  of  conduct 
thoroughly  in  accordance  with  the  humble 
character  of  Thomas  a  Kempis;   who,  whilst 

*  See  Eusebius  Amort,  in  his  Moralis  Certitudo,  pp. 
144-147. 


Preface.  ■"! 

sti'iving:  to  point  out  the  bi^anty  of  liolincss,  aiui 
to  set  forth  its  perfect  aud  Divine  Exemi)lar  in 
all  His  loveliness,  would  shrink  from  the  idea  of 
making  it  known  to  the  world,  that  he  himself 
it  was  who  held  this  personal  interconrse  with 
the  Saviour.  This,  doubtless,  at  the  first  pre- 
vented his  attaehiug  his  name  to  what  he 
wi'ote ;  so  that  some  persons  at  a  distance,  who 
were  unacquainted  with  Thomas  and  his  writ- 
ings, speculated  as  to  who  was  the  author  of 
them ;  aud  iu  one  or  two  noticeable  instances 
erroneously  attributed  them  to  other  famous 
men. 

The  value  of  the  testimony  just  produced 
should  be  well  considered,  for  it  is  of  the  high- 
est character,  aud  such  as  one  who  is  desirous 
of  getting  at  the  truth  of  the  matter  would  like 
to  have.  It  is  not  the  witness  of  some  one  at 
a  distance,  in  another  country,  who  could  know 
but  little  or  nothing  of  the  life  and  writings  of 
Thomas  a  Kempis  but  by  hearsay ;  it  is  not 
given  by  one  who  lived  fifty  or  a  hundred  years 
after  the  death  of  this  devout  Father ;  it  is 
written  by  one  who  lived  during  the  lifetime  of 
Thomas  a  Kempis,  aud,  we  may  presume,  at  no 
great  distance  from  the  monastery  of  Mount  St. 
Agnes.  Possibly  he  belonged  to  that  house,  or 
to  the  mother-house  at  Windesheim.  However 
that  may  be,  this  is  certain,  the  writer  shows, 


^TJi  Preface. 

in  the  hagiographieal  sketch  given  hy  him,  that 
he  had  an  intimate  and  thorough  knowledge 
both  of  the  life  and  wTitings  of  the  pious 
author. 

It  is  this  kind  of  testimony,  I  repeat,  that  is 
so  valuable.  It  comes  from  one  who  is  well 
qualified  to  give  us  authentic  information.  The 
work  is  clearly  indicated ;  and  the  record  as- 
sures all  men  that  Thomas  a  Kempis  is  the 
author  of  the  "  De  Vita  Christi  Meditationes." 
If  there  had  been  any  mistake  about  the  matter, 
we  might  have  expected  that  some  notice  of  it 
would  have  been  taken,  and  that  it  woiild  have 
been  corrected  at  once.  If  it  had  been  attrib- 
uted to  any  one  else,  it  is  certain  that  some 
one  woiild  have  made  the  claim  knowTi ;  but  as 
there  is  no  other  account  to  be  found  in  that 
age  or  country,  the  testimony  of  this  contem- 
porary biographer  is  most  important,  and  may 
be  taken  as  conclusive. 

There  is,  moreover,  other  contemporary  evi- 
dence to  show  that  this  book — the  "  De  Vita 
Christi  Meditationes  " — was  in  existence  at  the 
time  of  the  death  of  Thomas  a  Kempis  in  the 
year  1471.  It  arises  in  a  very  singular  and 
undesigned  manner,  which  helps  to  confirm  the 
testimony  already  advanced,  and  is  therefore  of 
great  worth.  Eusebius  Amort  is  not  defending 
the  authorship  of  the  ''  De  Vit&  Christi  Medita- 


Preface.  ix 

tioiies."  but  that  of  the  "  De  Imitatione  Christi." 
And,  in  doiiiij  this  lie  briuj2:s  forward  an  ancient 
codex,  containing  several  works — some  more 
ancient  than  others — found  in  the  Carthusian 
nionasterv  of  Buxliaim  or  Bnxheim,  Sua) )ia, Ger- 
many, in  which  anothev  amanuensis,  contempo- 
rary with  Thomas  k  Kempis,  gives,  at  the  end  of 
two  of  the  works  bound  up  in  the  codex, the  dates 
when  they  were  copied ;  which  is  an  e\ddent 
proof  that  these  dated  manuscripts  must  have 
been  known  at  the  time  named.  The  Carthu- 
sians, as  well  as  the  Brethren  of  other  Orders, 
were  familiar  with,  and  were  held  in  much 
esteem  by  the  Windesheim  community,  to 
which  Thomas  a  Kempis  belonged.  He  dludes 
to  them,  it  will  be  remembered,  in  book  i, 
chapter  xxv.  of  the  Imitation.  Hence  a  fre- 
quent interchange  of  fellowship  and  kindly 
actions  passed  between  them  ;  and  that  of  lend- 
ing valuable  manuscripts  to  be  copied  out  was 
one  of  them.  By  this  means,  doubtless,  a  copy 
of  the  ''  De  Vita  Christi  Meditationes "  was  to 
be  found  in  the  Monastery  of  Buxheim. 

And  of  so  much  worth  does  Amort  regard 
the  codex  hi  which  it  is  found,  that  he  is  very 
particular  in  gi^^ng  the  account  he  received  of 
it.  First,  it  is  in  folio ;  secondly,  the  material 
of  the  paper  is  throughout  wholly  of  a  papjTus 
nature ;  thirdly,  the  character  of  the  writing  is 


3c  Preface. 

the  same  tliroiig'hout  from  the  beginning  to  the 
end;  fouffJtIfj,  tlie  contents  or  names  of  the 
books  in  the  codex  are  pnt  down.  And  here 
it  should  be  noted  that,  after  naming  a  few  of 
them  in  the  list,  there  comes  tliis : — 

"  Item  Meditationes  in  Vitani  Christi." 

And  tlien,  further  d(jwn  the  list  still,  mention 
is  made  of  the  Imitation  in  these  words : — 

"  Item  hber  de  Imitatione  Chi-isti,  qui  conti- 
net  in  se  quatuor  hl^ros." 

In  i\\i^,  fifth  particular,  Amort  gives  a  more 
special  account  of  the  "  De  Imitatione  Christi," 
for  this  is  the  object  with  which  he  is  most 
concerned ;  and,  after  alluding  to  the  several 
titles  of  the  four  books,  he  states  other  things, 
such  as,  that  each  chapter  begins  with  a  large 
capital  letter,  etc. 

In  the  sixth  particular  he  notices  the  sub- 
scription to  these  books.  And  here  the  copyist 
remarks,  that  the  wiiter  of  the  Imitation  was 
"  quidam  Frater  Thomas  "  of  the  St.  Augustin- 
ian  Order  of  the  Canons  Regular  at  Mount  St. 
Agnes,  in  the  Diocese  of  Utrecht,  a.d.  1471. 
He  states,  however,  that  others  attribute  the 
Imitation  to  John  Gerson,  Chancellor  of  Paris. 

The  seventh  particular  is  with  regard  to  the 
age  of  the  codex ;  where  it  is  stated,  that  it  was 
written  in  the  fifteenth  century,  that  one  of  the 
books  is  dated  as  copied  in  the  year  1470,  "  qui 


Preface.  xi 

ail  mis  siibs«!ribitiir  Meditationibus  Vitee  Domini 
iiostii  Jesu  Christi " ;  the  veiy  work  now  engag- 
ing- our  attention.  And  the  year  1471,  it  is  to 
]je  noted,  is  subscribed  to  some  short  and  useful 
works  on  penitence. 

The  eighth,  ninth,  and  tenth  partieidars  re- 
late to  the  binding  of  the  codex,  the  present 
possessor  of  it,  and  the  name  of  the  individual 
who  sentls  these  particulars  to  Amort,  with  tlu; 
attestation  of  a  public  notary  attached  to  them* 

Here  then  we  have  certified  evidence,  that  a 
copy  of  the  '•  De  Vita  Christi  Meditationes  "  had 
been  written  out  in  the  year  before  Tlionias  a 
Kempis  died,  and  that  it  was  found  in  close 
connection,  or  bound  up  with  his  most  cele- 
brated work,  the  "  De  Imitatione  Christi,"  bring- 
ing both  woi'ks  uj)  to  the  lifetime  of  Thomas. 
It  will  be  observed  that  the  latter  work  was 
attributed  by  some  persons  to  the  ChanceUor 
Gerson.  But  that  question  has  been,  we  may 
hope,  settled  forever,  and  certainly  need  not 
occupy  om*  attention.  But,  as  far  as  we  are 
aware,  there  is,  and  has  been,  no  such  dispute 
about  the  "  Do  Vita  Christi  Meditationes."'  Us 
authorship  is  directly  and  from  the  first  assigned 
to  Thomas  a  Kempis.  And,  until  some  definite 
evidence  to  the  contraiy  can  be  produced,  we 
claim  the  work  on  liehaLf  of  this  devout  Father. 
*  See  Amort'ij  Mvnilid  Ccrtitudo,  pp.  152-154. 


xii  Preface. 

Another  curious  piece  of  evidence  is  before 
me.  I  have  lately  received  from  Amsterdam 
an  old  volume  with  the  first  two  Parts  of  the 
"  De  Vita  Chi-isti  Meditationes  "  printed  in  large 
legible  Gothic  type ;  followed  by  another  work 
which  will  be  noted  later.  But,  as  might  be 
expected,  no  name  is  attached  to  the  former. 
It  was  only  likely  that  they,  who  fii-st  printed 
the  "  De  Vita,"  would  pay  some  respect  to  the 
wishes  of  tlie  author,  who  desired  to  remain 
unnoticed  and  luiknown ;  especially  when 
pnnted  at  one  of  the  monastery  presses.  This 
was  the  case  with  his  most  famous  work,  the 
"  De  Imitatione  Christi."  Several  editions  of 
it  appeareed  before  one  was  published  with  liis 
name.  Hence,  later  on,  other  names  were  at- 
tached to  it ,  until  at  length  the  upholders  of 
the  Kempen  deemed  it  their  duty  to  vindicate 
his  right  to  the  authorship.  There  were  not 
many  writers  who  desired  to  be  hidden  from 
the  world  as  Thomas  did ;  so  that  this  very 
singularity  became  rather  a  mark  of  his  ^\Tit- 
ings  in  that  part  of  the  world  ;  especially  among 
the  piously  disposed,  and  the  members  of  his 
confraternity,  scattered  in  various  brother- 
hoods. Hence,  naturally,  we  find  no  name 
attached  to  these  two  parts  of  the  ''  De  Vita " 
now  under  consideration.  This  omission,  so 
far  is  it  from  being  an  objection  to  the  Kem- 


Preface.  xiii 

pen's  authorship  of  the  treatise,  is  distinctly  in 
favor  of  its  having  been  written  l)y  him.  Tlicre 
are,  however,  certain  peculiarities  about  the 
volume,  to  which  attention  must  be  di*a\\-n,  that 
confii'm  the  \-iew  that  this  evidence  is  in  favor 
of  Thomas  a  Kempis. 

Several  points  show  that  the  volume  nuist 
have  been  printed  in  the  first  years  of  printing- 
in  Germany.  Xo  name  of  the  author  is  at- 
tached to  the  "  De  Vita,"  neither  is  there  any 
proper  title-page  appended  to  it.  Only  the 
titles  of  the  two  works  contained  in  the  volume 
are  put  in  the  upper  corner  of  the  first  page,  in 
a  similar  type  to  that  of  the  book  itself.  There 
is  no  publishers  name,  no  year  when  it  was 
printed,  no  place,  town,  or  even  habitation, 
where  copies  could  be  obtained.  The  capital 
beginning  each  chapter  is  a  large  red  letter, 
which  has  evidently  been  ^\Titten,  not  printed, 
by  a  good  penman,  generally  called  the  "  vubri- 
cator."  The  i)ages  are  not  numbered,  but  in- 
stead the  leaves  are,  yet  after  a  different  form 
to  that  which  was  afterwards  generally  adoi)ted. 
In  one  comer,  at  the  bottom  of  the  front  page, 
you  have  the  usual  signature,  followed  by  some 
numerals ;  the  first  signature  a  is  taken,  and  is 
continued  in  numerals  up  to  viii. ;  then  the 
signature  h  is  taken,  and  is  also  continued  up 
to  viii.,  and  so  on.     Moreover,  there  is  no  per- 


^i"^'  Preface. 

mission  given  for  leave  to  print  the  book,  as  is 
mostly  found  in  religious  woi-ks,  even  before 
A.D.  1500,  and  was  after  that  date  required. 
All  these  points  prove  that  the  printing  of 
books  was  then  in  its  infancy.*  But  these  par- 
ticulars seem  to  indicate  something  more.  It 
is  thought,  and  not  without  reason,  that  this 
volume  proceeded  from  one  of  the  printing 
presses  of  the  Brothers  of  Common  Life.  It  is 
known  that  they  wtjre  deeply  interested  ni  the 
new  invention ;  for  the  sul)sistence  of  very 
many  of  that  community  depended  upon  copy- 
ing books  for  sale.t  Moreover,  they  were  very 
early  in  the  field  as  printers.  And  no  wonder, 
for  they  at  once  perceived,  that,  by  this  marvel- 
lous invention,  they  could  speedily  midtiply 
their  publications;  whereas,  previously,  they 
had  spent  months  of  labor  in  copying  each  one 
out   by  hand.     Glad   indeed  must  they  have 

*  The  volume  was  sent  up  to  the  British  Museum  for 
fui'ther  information,  and,  singularly  enough,  the  author- 
ities possess  another  similar  copy,  to  which  the  date 
A.D.  1475  is  conjecturally  assigned.  This  is  the  year 
after  Oaxton  printed  his  first  piece  at  Westminster,  on 
"The  Game  of  Chesse,"  a.d.  1474. 

f  Vide  Buschius,  Chronicon  JVindesemense,  Autverpise, 
1621,  8vo,  vol.  i.  cap.  ii.  pp.  6.  7 ;  a  Kempis,  Chronicon 
Sancke  Jgnetis,  also  Antverpia?,  1621,  8vo,  cap.  iii.  p.  11 ; 
and  a  Kempis,  Vita  Geranli  Magni,  cap.  ix.  2,  3,  Opera, 
1G07,  p.  771. 


Preface.  ^v 

been  to  avail  themselves  of  this  new  instrument 
to  produce  books  more  readily,  and  to  any  ex- 
tent. 

Schaab,  in  his  Erfinduuij  der  Buchdrucker- 
kumt,  Mainz,  1831,  intinuites  that  one  of  the 
Brother-houses  in  Maryvale  probably  had  a 
printing-press  \vith  type  for  themselves  as  early 
as  A.D.  1468.  And  Delprat  mentions  several 
other  Houses  of  the  Brothers,  that  sliortly  after 
set  up  their  presses.  They  did  their  work  re- 
markably well,  and  what  books  they  sent  out 
were  gi*eatly  valued.  Neale  in  his  Jansenist 
Church  of  Holland,  p.  100,  says,  "Among  the 
most  valuable  volumes  to  be  f<jund  in  the  in- 
cunahula  of  German  hbraries,  the  Canons  of 
Windesheim  have  their  full  share." 

But  what  would  further  lead  a  bibliographer, 
in  addition  to  what  has  been  said,  to  regard 
this  renuirkable  volume  as  issuing  fi'om  the 
priuting-i)ress  of  one  of  the  Brotherhoods  of 
Common  Life  is,  that  the  two  books  it  contains 
are  by  two  celebrated  men  of  that  devout  com- 
munity. Bearing  in  mind,  then,  that  the  con- 
temporary biograi)her  of  Thomas  a  Kempis  put 
down  the  '*De  Vita*'  in  the  catalogue  of  the 
works  he  wrote  ;  that  it  was  well  known  by  the 
various  members  of  the  Brotherhood  in  many 
places  to  be  by  him ;  and  that  not  a  single 
instance    is  known   of   the   authorship   being 


xvi  Preface. 

attributed,  in  its  early  days,  to  any  one  else ;  it 
is  not  unreasonable  to  ascribe  this  devout 
treatise  to  Mm,  who  was  recognized  as  the  great 
ornament  of  the  Brotherhood.  They  paid  all 
the  gi-eater  reverence  to  his  wi*itings,  because 
he  sought  not  for  this  world's  fame,  but  rather 
despised  it ;  and  this  he  did  the  more,  that  men 
might  know  and  f oUow  Jesus  for  Himself.  The 
Brotherhood  had  probably  been  the  first  to 
print  that  most  precious  book,  the  ''  De  Iniita- 
tione  Cluisti,"  and  it  is  a  pleasing  fact  to  note, 
that  they  were  probably  the  fii-st  to  print  the 
chief  parts  of  another  like  precious  book,  the 
'■De  Vita,"  wiitten  by  their  much  revered 
Brother. 

The  other  work  that  foUows  this  in  the 
volume,  called  "  De  Spiritualibus  Aseensioni- 
bus,"  is  by  another  remarkable  member  of  the 
community,  Gerard  of  Zutphen,  an  ardent  stu- 
dent and  lover  of  God's  Word,  who  preceded 
Thomas  a  Kempis.  The  latter  gives  a  sketch 
of  Zutphen's  life.  Gerard's  example  kindled  a 
flame  of  enthusiasm  in  the  life  of  Thomas,  then 
a  young  man  in  the  community.  Gerard  was 
a  great  advocate,  in  those  early  days,  for  the 
Bible  being  translated  into  the  language  of  the 
people,  and  in  his  treatise  brings  forward  many 
cogent  arguments.  In  another  treatise  he  pro- 
posed  also   that  the   Prayers   of  the   Chm'ch 


Prpfare.  xvii 

should  he  said  to  the  conpn'e^ation  in  their 
mother-tongue*  The  '' De  VitA,"  tlien.  thus 
eaj'ly  was  clearly  associated  with  another  chief 
work  of  a  former  member  of  the  Bi-otherhood, 
noted  for  his  learning  and  spiritual  inHuenee ; 
and  was  even  i)laced  before  the  "  De  Spirituali- 
bus  Aseensionibus,"  as  if  it  were  accounted  of 
more  importance. 

Now,  who  more  interested  in  publishing  these 
two  works,  or  more  likely  to  print  them,  than 
members  of  the  Brotherhood,  in  one  or  other 
of  their  Houses,  as  it  would  be  a  gi-eat  saving 
of  time  and  lalx)r  in  not  having  to  copy  them 
out ;  and  as  they  were  the  kind  of  books  they 
would  at  first  be  most  anxious  to  multiply  ?  It 
is  therefore  prol)able,  that  the  *'De  Vita"  was 
at  the  first  printed  in  one  of  the  houses  of  the 
Brotherhood.  But  be  this  so  or  no,  the  gi-eat 
point  to  draw  attenticm  to  is,  that  the  work  was 
printed  and  made  kno^^-n  \A-ithin  four  or  five 
years  of  the  death  of  Thomas,  and  thoroughly 
recognized  as  his  among  the  Brethren  in  the 
country  and  neighborliood  where  he  lived. 
And  it  is  at  once  a  testimony  of  their  deep  re- 
gard for  Thomas  a  Kempis,  and  how  much  they 
valued  the  work  on  account  of  its  supreme 
worth. 

*  Sfe  Kettlewell's  Thomas  a  Kempis,  and  the  Brothers 
of  Common  Ltfe,  1882,  vol.  i.  pp.  296-306. 


xviii  Preface. 

It  may  be  asked,  why  were  only  two  parts 
printed,  and  the  remaining  parts  left  out? 
Thongh  it  may  he  difficult  to  answer  such  ques- 
tions, unless  one  is  du'ectly  acquainted  with  the 
particular  circumstances,  yet  it  may  be  ob- 
served, that  the  "De  Imitatione  Christi"  was 
treated  in  a  similar  way.  Sometimes  we  find 
the  first  book  alone  printed  b}'  itself,  sometimes 
only  three  books,  when  four  were  considered  to 
be  its  complement.  Moreover,  if  you  look  at 
the  "  De  Vita,''  in  this  volume,  you  will  perceive 
that  the  fii-st  two  parts  already  take  up  about 
half  of  a  thick  two-inch  book ;  and  had  they 
continued  the  remainder  of  it,  the  printers 
would  not  have  been  well  able  to  get  in  Gerard's 
work.  Besides,  it  was  probably  considered  most 
profitable  for  readers  to  ponder  over  the  parts 
they  had  so  far  printed,  since  they  referred  to  the 
Passion  and  Death  of  Christ. 

Thomas  a  Kempis,  in  the  earher  period  of 
his  long  life,  is  knoMm  to  have  copied  out  the 
whole  of  the  Bible  in  four  large  volumes. 
Wliat  more  likely  than,  when  he  came  to  the 
Holy  Gospels,  he  should  frequently  and  deei)ly 
ponder  over  the  wonderful  and  l)eneficent  hfe 
of  Christ  ?  To  this  his  mind  would  often  re- 
turn, as  most  worthy  of  his  life-long  attention  : 
and,  taking  the  several  portions  of  that  Di\'ine 
history  from  time  to  time  as  they  recurred  to 


rrefdre. '  xix 

him,  he  would  make  them  the  speeial  subjects 
of  meditation  and  i)rayer.  It  is  evident  that  lie 
was  a  man  who  lived  mueli  upon  his  knees; 
and  that  he  held  continual  intercourse,  in  deep 
abasement  and  profound  reverence,  with  the 
blessed  Saviour.  The  words  and  thoughts  of 
these  gi'acious  moments  sj)ent  with  C'ln-ist  were 
very  precious  to  him — carefully  noted  and 
treasiu'ed  up.  And  it  seems  that  afterwards  he 
had  gathered  them  together,  and  formed  them 
into  one  connected  treatise,  for  the  benefit  and 
help  of  other  religious  persons.  This  he  did  to 
show  them,  by  an  exam])le.  how  they  might 
make  use  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  to  their  ever- 
lasting welfare.  Not  only  by  reading  and 
hearing  them,  not  only  by  taking  heed  to  the 
preaching  and  comments  upon  them,  but  by 
pranng  over  them.  They  could  then  turn  the 
words  into  devout  meditations,  and,  in  each 
separate  and  distinct  portion,  make  a  gi-ateful 
acknowledgment  of  particular  instances  of  the 
Di"\ane  favor  and  goodness  to  uswards. 

Nor  is  all  this  simply  conjecture.  When  he 
began  to  write  his  immortal  work,  the  "  De 
Imitatione  Christi,"  he  seems  to  have  had  before 
him  the  design  of  such  a  work  as  The  Medita- 
tions. For,  on  turning  to  the  first  chapter  of 
the  fij'st  book  of  the  former  woi'k.  we  read  these 
words : — "  To  meditate  on  the  Life  of  Christ  (in 


XX  Preface. 

vitam  Jesu  Christi  ineditari)  should  be  our  chief 
study.  His  teaching  sui-passes  all  that  the 
Saints  have  taught ;  and  he  that  has  the  Spirit 
will  find  in  it  '  the  hidden  manna.' "  Observe 
how  this  devout  wiiter  brings  in  the  very  title 
of  the  book,  as  it  were,  which  he  afterwards 
adopts ;  pointedly  advocating  the  use  of  such 
meditation,  and  showdng  what  a  blessing  is  to 
be  derived  from  such  an  exercise  of  devo- 
tion. 

And  it  would  seem  strange  if,  in  the  many 
3'ears  the  Kempen  lived  after  he  had  completed 
the  ''  De  Imitatione  Christi,"  he  did  not  write 
such  a  work  as  that  "  De  Vita  Christi  Medita- 
tiones,"  when  it  would  appear  to  have  been  the 
very  desire  of  his  heart  to  do  so.  There  are 
very  few,  even  of  those  who  seclude  themselves 
from  the  world  for  the  sake  of  religion,  quali- 
fied to  produce  such  a  sacred  treatise ;  but 
from  the  records  of  his  life,  and  the  pecuhar 
excellency  of  the  ''  De  Imitatione  Christi,"  we 
may  judge  that  he  was  eminent^  fitted  to  write 
such  a  volume.  It  appears  then  only  reasona- 
ble to  conclude  that  Thomas  a  Kempis  was  the 
author  of  the  "  De  Vita,"  especially  when  we 
take  into  consideration  the  external  evidence 
that  has  been  produced  ;  which  early  attributed 
the  work  to  him — evidence  given  by  those 
gro-RTi  lip  at  the  time  of  his  death,  and  who 


Preface.  xxi 

were  fully  able  to  su])ply  information  that 
might  1)0  depcuded  upon. 

The  internal  evidence  also  seems  much  in 
favor  of  Thoiiias  j\  Kempis  being  the  author  of 
the  "  De  Vita  Christi  Meditationes " ;  for  one 
who  is  familiar  with  his  "WTitings  would  say, 
"  Well,  if  it  is  not  his,  it  must  be  by  one  of  the 
Brothers  of  Common  Life."  But  since  we  have 
external  evidence  of  the  best  kind  that  asserts 
Thomas  a  Kempis  to  be  the  veritable  author, 
an  examination  of  the  contents  of  the  book 
will  ser\'e  to  establish  still  more  the  authen- 
ticity of  it.  Though  there  may  seem  a  differ- 
ence in  character  between  the  De  Imitatione 
Christi  and  the  De  Vitd  Christi  Meditationes,  it 
is  more  because  the  two  must  necessarily  be 
treated  differently,  than  in  an}i;liing  else.  The 
latter  does  not  differ  from  the  De  Imitatione 
Christi  more  than  do  the  other  undoubted 
works  of  Thomas  a  Kempis. 

The  "De  Vita  Christi  Meditationes"  is  of 
an  ascetic  character,  like  the  ''  De  Imitatione 
Christi "  ;  and  he  who  would  find  fault  with  the 
exalted  pitch  of  the  former,  must  find  fault  also 
with  the  latter  for  the  same  reason.  Both  bid 
us  aim  at  the  liighest  ideal  of  the  Christian  life ; 
and  in  the  use  of  one  as  well  as  of  the  other, 
the  feeling  that  will  pervade  the  mind  of  the 
earnest   Christian,   who   is   diligently   seeking 


xxii  Preface. 

after  the  welfare  of  his  soiil,  mil  be,  first,  that 
he  comes  vastly  short  of  what  he  should  be ; 
and  this  must  lead  him  almost  to  despair  of 
attaining  to  higher  excellency;  secondlt/,  it  "vvill 
cause  him  to  feel  more  than  ever  his  great  need 
of  the  Sa%-iour,  willing  and  able  to  redeem  liim ; 
and  that  he  must  truly  fly  to  Him  for  help  and 
salvation ;  and  thirdhj,  it  will  incite  him  to 
daily  endeavors  to  become  like  unto  Christ,  and 
to  follow  in  His  blessed  footsteps.  This,  we 
must  remember,  is  the  only  right  way  to  attain 
the  Christian  Hfe  ;  not  to  tone  down  the  stand- 
ard of  our  hfe  to  our  earthly  desires  and  im- 
perfections, but  to  set  before  us  and  strive  to 
follow  the  noblest  and  most  perfect  example 
of  our  humanity.  For  this  is  what  the  Gospel 
of  our  salvation  bids  us  aim  at,  when  we  are 
told : — "  Be  ye  perfect,  as  your  Father  which 
is  in  heaven  is  perfect."  ''Be  ye  holy,  for 
I  am  holy." 

Besides,  the  peculiar  character  of  theology 
which  is  found  in  one  work  is  the  same  as  in 
the  other.  The  doctrine  and  views  of  rehgion 
in  both  are  from  the  same  school  of  divinit}^  if 
not  from  the  same  pen.  There  was  in  those 
days  a  strikingly  earnest  and  awakening  apph- 
cation  of  Gospel  truth  prevailing  among  a 
number  of  devout  souls,  of  which  Thomas  a 
Kempiswas  the  representative  and  exponent. 


Preface.  xxiii 

Moreover,  there  are  several  peculiar  modes  af 
expression,  sentences,  phrases,  and  words  which 
are  common  to  both  works.  The  form  of  the 
sentences  in  the  "  De  Imitatione  Clmsti "  is 
short,  terse,  admonitory,  and  complete ;  and  so 
is  that  in  the  present  work.  Many  instances 
of  these  several  points  might  be  readily  ad- 
duced, but  the  fear  of  lengthening  this  preface 
prevents  us  from  doing  so.  It  is  worth  while, 
nevertheless,  for  those  who  are  interested  in 
the  question  respecting  the  authorship  of  this 
treatise,  to  follow  out  these  points,  as  it  will 
serve  to  establi.sh  the  evidence  ali'eady  brought 
forward,  that  the  "De  Vita  Christi  Medita- 
tiones  "  was  ^Titten  l\y  Thomas  a  Kempis. 

It  will  be  asked,  however,  "  How  is  it  that 
this  important  work  of  Thomas  a  Kempis  has 
been  so  long  lost  sight  of,  and  unrecognized  by 
the  public  ?  ^^Tiy  has  it  not  lieen  noticed  be- 
fore, and  In-ought  forward  for  the  Ijenefit  of  the 
Christian  world  ? "  The  reason  appears  to  be 
chiefly  on  account  of  the  treatment  which  the 
book  received.  This  brings  us  back  to  Som- 
malius,  who  published  three  editions  of  Kem- 
pen's  works.  He  did  not  print  the  "  De  Vita 
Christi  Meditationes "  in  his  first  edition,  it 
appears  in  the  second,  disappears  fi-om  the 
third,  and  is  never  again  found  in  any  of  the 
other  many  editions  published  under  his  name. 


xxiv  Preface. 

Heiico  serious  misgivings  and  doubts  have 
arisen,  whether  it  were  really  written  by  the 
venerable  and  esteemed  author  of  that  devout 
and  heavenly  book,  the  "  De  Imitatione  Christi." 
And  some  have  concluded,  though  on  insuffi- 
cient grounds,  that  it  was  left  out  by  Sommalius 
because  he  had  found  that  Thomas  a  Kempis 
was  not  the  author  of  it.  And  this  opinion  has 
the  more  prevailed  because  of  the  general 
ignorance  of  the  positive  and  original  proofs 
that  the  work  was  WTitten  by  him.  Might 
there  not,  however,  be  some  other  reason  f 

The  exclusion  of  the  ^'  De  Vita  "  from  so  many 
editions  ^^nM  in  no  small  measiu'e  account  for 
its  being  so  long  lost  sight  of  by  the  pubhc, 
and  almost  forgotten,  except  by  a  few ;  as  w^eU 
as  for  the  doubts  throwm  on  its  authorship.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  Sommahus  gives  not 
the  slightest  reason  why  it  is  expunged.  He 
leaves  his  readers  altogether  in  the  dark  as  to 
this,  after  having  assured  them  that  it  had  been 
written  by  Thomas  a  Kempis,  and  was  one  of 
his  works  which  he  had  discovered.  There  is 
something  mysterious  about  this,  to  say  the 
least ;  and  thereby  hangs  a  tale,  which  it  may 
be  difficult  to  unfold,  for  it  leaves  us  in  some 
perplexity. 

It  is  asked,  ''  Why  did  Sommalius  omit  the 
work  from  his  first  edition  ?     Had  he  then  any 


Preface.  "v 

doubts  about  it  ?  Then  why  does  it  appear  in 
his  second  edition  ?  and  again,  why  is  it  exckided 
from  his  third,  and  from  all  other  editions  ?  Is 
tlicre  not  some  other  more  likely  reason  than 
that  which  has  generally  been  received,  why  it 
had  been  suppressed  ?  As  to  the  first  point,  it 
may  be  assumed  that  at  the  time  when  Som- 
malius  pubhshed  his  first  edition  he  was  un- 
aware of  the  existence  of  the  "  De  Vita  Christi 
Meditationes."  He  had  probaljly  made  use  of 
former  copies  of  the  collected  works  of  k 
Kempis,  edited  by  other  writers;  diligently 
comparing  them  with  the  autogi'aph  copies  of 
Thomas  a  Kempis,  to  be  found  in  the  Royal 
Library  at  Brussels  in  the  two  codices  dated 
severally  a.d.  1441  and  145G,  and  with  the 
manuscripts  of  some  of  his  other  works  depos- 
ited in  St.  Martin's  monastery  at  Louvain ;  and 
as  the  "  De  Vita  "  was  also  not  found  in  either 
of  these  collections,  Sommalius  was  at  fii'st 
ignorant  of  its  existence.  Afterwards,  however, 
some  friend  or  antiquarian  scholar  may  have 
informed  him  of  the  existence  of  this  work,  and 
where  a  copy  of  it  was  to  be  found.  This,  we 
may  be  sure,  he  examined  into  "snth  great  cu- 
riosity and  dehght,  and  obtained  forth^\dth  a 
copy  for  his  second  edition.  Such  seems  the 
most  likely  account  of  its  appearance  in  this 
second  edition.     But  why  does  it  disappeai'  in 


xxvi  Preface. 

the  next  edition,  and  in  all  others  afterwards  ? 
And  what  reason  can  be  assigned  for  leaving  it 
out,  seeing  Sommalius  gives  none  f 

The  conclusion  generally  arrived  at  is  not 
unnatural,  and  one  that  would  at  once  strike 
the  casual  reader.  He,  mtliout  giving  much 
consideration  to  the  subject,  would  be  inclined 
to  conclude  that,  upon  further  investigation, 
doubts  arose  in  the  mind  of  Sommalius  as  to 
whether  there  was  sufficiently  clear  evidence 
that  the  work  was  indeed  by  Thomas  a  Kenipis, 
and  it  had  consequently  been  excluded.  As  to 
his  complete  silence  regarding  its  being  left 
out,  it  might  be  said  that  Sommahus  would  not 
Hke  to  confess  that  he  had  been  in  erroi",  and 
therefore  he  quietly  omitted  it  in  his  next  edi- 
tion, the  third,  without  sapng  a  word  as  to  the 
reason  why  he  did  so. 

But,  after  all,  this  is  only  a  conjectm*e,  not 
resting  upon  any  sound  foundation.  Observe, 
Sommalius  does  not  give  this  as  a  reason ;  it 
is  only  those  who  are  puzzled  by  his  leaving 
the  "  De  Vita  "  out  without  gi^dng  any  explana- 
tion, who  jump  to  this  conclusion.  When  we 
come  to  make  further  research  into  the  matter, 
and  look  more  closely  into  various  particulars, 
we  shall  see  reason  to  doubt  whether  this  is  the 
right  conclusion,  and  be  led  to  seek  for  some 
othei" ;  especially  when  we  take  into  considera- 


Preface.  xxvii 

tioii  the  positive  proofs  wc  possess  of  Thomas 
a  Kenipis  being-  the  real  author,  and  the  man- 
ner in  whicli  Sommalius  acknowledges  this 
when  he  introduces  the  "De  Vita"  into  his 
second  edition. 

Sommalius  is  said  to  have  been  born  a.d. 
1534,  and  to  have  died  a.d.  1G19.  His  first 
edition  of  the  "Opera  Omnia"  appeared  in 
1600 — about  a  huntb-ed  and  twenty-nine  j-ears 
after  the  death  of  Thomas  a  Kempis.  His 
second  edition  came  out  in  1607 ;  and  the  third 
in  1615 — about  four  years  before  his  death.  To 
all  tlu'ee  there  is  a  dedicatory  epistle,  and  an 
addi'ess  to  the  "Pious  Reader."  But  upon 
critically  examining  the  latter  in  all  three 
editions,  although  they  seem  to  read  alike,  we 
find  that  there  are  just  a  few  words  added  in 
the  1607  edition — that  in  whicli  the  "De  Vita" 
fii'st  appears — which  do  not  occur  in  the  1600 
edition,  but  do  so  in  the  1615  edition  ;  showing 
that  the  1607  edition  was  used  as  a  copy  for 
the  thu'd  edition.  Sommalius  rejoices  that  he 
has  had  both  the  health  and  some  little  leisure 
afforded  him  opportune!}'  to  supply  those  things 
which  were  ivanting  in  the  first  edition  (qua^  in 
prima  editione  defuerunt).  Now  the  "De 
Vita  "  is  the  onlj'-  considerable  addition  made  to 
this  second  edition,  and  consequently  he  must 
chiefly  refer  to  this  work,  and  the  absence  of 


x.wiii  Preface. 

which  in  the  fii'st  edition  he  considers  made  it 
defective.  The  passage  given  in  Latin  has  been 
continued  in  other  editions  printed  in  the  name 
of  Sommalius  after  his  death,  and  no  remark 
made  in  its  place,  in  any  of  them,  accounting 
for  the  omission.  Hence  the  only  allusion  to 
the  ''  De  Vita"  made  by  SommaUus  in  the  1607 
edition  is  certainly  in  favor  of  its  being  written 
by  Thomas  a  Kempis. 

Nor  can  we  imagine  that  he  introduced  the 
"  De  Vita"  into  the  second  edition  of  the  "  Opera 
Omnia  "  without  giving  to  it  great  consideration 
and  research.  In  his  address  "  Pio  Lectori,"  in 
all  the  three  editions,  he  tells  us  how  anxiously 
and  diligently  he  had  labored  to  produce  only 
what  he  had  well  authenticated,  and  compared 
with  the  manuscripts  or  autographs  of  Thomas 
a  Kemi)is.  He  informs  us,  that  like  a  bear  he 
had  Ucked,  and  like  an  ostrich  had  gazed  upon 
the  wi'itings  of  his  beloved  author.  He  had 
been  as  a  lear  to  them,  ''  quas  frequenter  1am- 
bendo  expolu'e  atque  efiformare  consuevit." 
He  had  been  as  an  ostrich,  "quse  non  incu- 
bando,  sed  fixis  oculis  ova  diu  multumque 
intuendo  pullos  excludit  .  .  .  tarn  scepe  auto- 
fjrajpha  vidi,  legi,  revoM,  et  cum  prion  editione 
tarn  sedulo  contuU ;  adeo  ut  sperem  me  ad  earn 
perfectionem  omnino  castigationem  adduxisse,  tit 
merito  animo  conquiescere  debeamP 


Preface.  xxix 

All  this  implies  searching  examination  and 
close  deliberation;  so  that  this  learned  man 
was  not  likely  to  have  admitted  the  "  De  Vita  " 
among  the  works  of  Thomas  k  Kempis,  unless 
he  had  well  assured  himself  that  it  had  been 
■WTitten  by  him.  Moreover,  when  he  so  satisfied 
himself  as  to  the  authenticity  of  the  work  he 
was  at  the  ripe  age  of  se\-enty-tlu'ee,  the  judg- 
ment then  being  mature,  and  he  was  in  good 
health.  Xor  can  we  believe  that  he  ever  went 
back  from  an  opinion  which  he  had  so  carefully 
formed.  Why  the  ''  De  Vita  "  disappeared  from 
the  third  edition,  that  of  1615,  without  a  word 
being  said  by  the  learned  editor,  wdH,  we  trust, 
be  made  clear  as  we  study  more  closely  this 
interesting  question. 

The  suggestion  of  this  silence  given  by  those 
who  would  make  it  out  that  he  excluded  the 
"  De  Vita,"  because  he  afterwards  doubted  its 
authenticity,  and  was  ashamed  to  confess  liis 
error,  is  putting  forward  a  motive  altogether 
unworthy  of  so  learned  and  conscientious  a 
man  as  Somnuilius  seems  to  have  been.  We 
might  surely  have  expected  that,  if  he  had  been 
a  free  man,  he  would  have  endeavored,  at  the 
first  oppt>rtunity  he  had,  to  correct  the  mistake 
he  had  fallen  into,  that  he  might  not  mislead 
those  wiio  tnisted  him.  Such  a  course  an  up- 
right and  honorable  man  would  have  taken. 


XXX  Preface. 

But  no ;  he  does  not  make  any  correction  or 
retractation.  He  would  not  enter  upon  the 
open  avowal  of  such  a  thing,  after  what  he  had 
already  said  and  done.  And  yet  it  is  evident 
that  there  was  some  secret  reason  why  the  '•  De 
Vita  "  was  excluded  from  the  third  edition,  and 
no  explanation  w^hatever  given.  It  is  this  view 
of  the  matter — together  with  the  evidence  we 
possess  that  it  was  written  by  Thomas  a 
Kempis — that  leads  us  to  look  out  for  some 
other  reason  for  its  disappearance — some  other 
solution  to  the  inquiry,  Why  was  it  left  out 
and  never  after  appeared  ? 

It  has  been  asked  whether  there  is  anything 
heretical  in  the  work  that  caused  it  to  be  re- 
jected. The  work  has  been  carefully  looked 
over  to  ascertain  whether  tliis  is  the  ease  or 
not.  And  though  there  are  several  passages, 
as  in  the  Imiiation  (but  more  in  number),  which 
the  members  of  the  Refonned  Chm-ch  would 
not  allow  or  consider  sound,  yet  is  there  noth- 
ing that  the  Romanist,  or  the  dominant  author- 
ity in  the  Church,  at  the  time  when  the  "  De 
Vita  "  first  became  known,  would  consider  to  be 
heretical.  This,  then,  cannot  be  the  reason  for 
its  rejection  or  exclusion. 

But  though  there  may  be  nothing  openty 
heretical  in  the  "De  Vita"  according  to  the 
teaching  of  the  Chm'ch  a  hundred  years  before 


Preface.  ^^^ 

the  Roformatioii,  still  wp  eannot  but  suspect 
that,  when  Soniiiialiut^  piiblisht'd  the  -  De  Vita'' 
in  his  second  edition,  it  did  not  meet  with  favor 
in  eoi-tain  quarters ;  and  it  was  therefore  inti- 
mated to  him,  or  to  the  printers,  that  permission 
would  not  be  given  to  publish  it  again;  and 
that  it  must  be  quietly  withdrawn,  ^\•ithout 
rendering  any  reason  for  the  omission  of  it. 
Sommalius  was  one  of  a  religious  Society  who 
was  reipiired  to  pay  impheit  ol)edience  to  the 
direction  of  his  superiors  ;  and  if  the  eonjectnre 
offered  be  correct,  then  the  publication  of  the 
works  of  Thomas  a  Kempis,  being  entirely  in 
the  hands  of  those  bound  to  obedience,  the  "  De 
Vita  "  was  left  out,  without  the  least  hint  as  to 
the  reason  for  doing  so.  Silence  about  it  would 
rather  further  the  object  of  those  who  desired 
its  exclusion;  for  the  mthdrawal  would  not 
only  hinder  it  from  becoming  generaUv  knowTi, 
but  woidd  also  tkrow  doubts  on  its  authenticity, 
and  incline  those  who  did  know  of  it  to  question 
whether  it  was  WTitten  by  Tliomas  a  Kempis. 
And  the  manner  of  its  withdrawal  seems  to 
have  had  this  effect.  It  is  otherwise  difficult, 
we  repeat,  to  account  for  the  silence  of  Som- 
maUus  Avhen  the  work  did  not  appear  again  in 
his  next  edition,  after  his  unequivocal  acknowl- 
edgment of  it  as  one  of  the  Kempen's  works. 
If  he  had  given  a  reason  for  its  withdi-awal, 


xxxii  Preface. 

under  the  circumstances  alluded  to,  that  would 
in  a  great  measure  have  defeated  the  object 
of  those  who  wished  to  exclude  it ;  for  such  a 
coui'se  would  have  drawn  all  the  more  attention 
to  it  at  the  time ;  and  others,  not  under  obedi- 
ence, might  have  been  greatly  induced  to  pub- 
hsh  this  work  by  itself,  in  opposition  to  those 
who  wished  to  expunge  it  without  any  noise.* 

But  this  is  not  all.  It  is  certainly  a  cm'ious 
fact  that,  between  the  death  of  Thomas  and  the 
year  1607,  there  is  only  a  single  printed  edition 
of  a  part  of  the  "De  Vita"  known  to  have 
existed.  There  are,  as  we  have  akeady  seen, 
three  distinct  manuscript  copies  of  it  referred 
to,  which  in  themselves  clearly  du-ect  us  to 
Thomas  a  Kempis  as  its  author.  But  they 
formerly  must  have  been  very  rare,  and  now 
scarcely  a  manuscript  of  the  work  can  be  found. 

*  Some  ill-informed  critics  have  stated  that  the  "  De 
Vita  "  was  Avritten  by  B.  Bonaventura ;  others  have  at- 
tributed it  to  Ludolph  of  Saxony,  the  Carthusian  of  the 
fourteenth  century.  The  reader  is  referred  to  the 
Meditations  put  forth  by  those  holy  and  learned  men. 
They  have  not  the  slightest  resemblance  to  the  treatise 
of  the  Kempen  :  in  matter  and  language  they  are  alto- 
gether inferior.  (See  Opera  Omnia  of  S.  Bonaventura, 
Moguntia,  1G09;  MedUationes  de  Fitd  Cliristi,  in  the 
sixth  vol.,  fol.  334-401;  Ludolphus  de  Saxonia,  Vita 
Christl,  Strasburg,  1474,  fol.  ;  and  MedUationes  de  Vitd 
Jesu  Cliristi,  Niirnberg,  1473,  fol.) 


Pirfarr.  xxxiii 

How  then  eau  you  account  lor  the  early  exclu- 
siou  of  it  from  public  use  ? 

It  would  appear,  from  the  analogfous  title  it 
bears  to  the  "  De  Imitatioue,"  aud  from  its  divi- 
sion into  foiu'  parts,  making  it  like  the  four 
books  of  the  Imitation  ;  as  also  from  what  a 
Kenipis  says  in  this  inimitable  work  respecting 
the  worth  of  such  a  book  as  the  "  De  Vita,"  that 
it  was  his  earnest  desii-e  to  have  the  Meditations 
accounted  as  a  proper  sequel  or  companion  to 
his  chef-iVmivrc.  Moreover,  fi-om  the  two  most 
important  parts  of  the  *'  De  Vita"  hi^'iw^ printed 
in  the  very  infancy  of  the  art,  and  so  soon  after 
the  death  of  its  author,  as  well  as  from  the 
Kempen  character  of  the  book  itself,  we  cannot 
fail  to  perceive  the  esteem  in  which  the  "  De 
Vita  "  was  held. 

From  these  considerations  there  is  reason  to 
conclude  that,  next  to  the  Imitation,  the  devout 
writer  of  it  valued  the  '^  De  Vita"  more  than  aU 
his  other  works  ;  aud  would  have  aU  those  who 
admired  the  former  to  make  a  diligent  use  of 
the  latter.  And  it  is  not  too  much  to  say  that, 
like  the  Imitation  of  Christ,  the  Meditations  on 
the  Life  of  Christ  are  calculated  to  prove  an 
equal  blessing  to  the  Christian  world.  We  may 
rightly  believe,  then,  the  author  would  ardently 
wish  that  copies  of  it  might  be  multiplied ;  and 
this,  too,  would  be  the  %\ish  and  effort  of  those 


xxxiv  Preface. 

who  in  its  early  days  loved  the  Imitation.  But, 
strange  to  say,  there  seems  to  be,  on  the  con- 
trary, an  unaccountable  scarcity  of  the  treatise. 

On  what  grounds,  then,  can  we  reasonably 
conceive  that  it  was  kept  back  from  the  pubUc, 
unless  it  had  been  suppressed  by  some  one  in 
authority  after  the  death  of  Thomas  a  Kempis, 
so  that  it  should  not  be  again  printed,  or  any 
more  copies  of  it  written  out  f  As  the  Brother- 
hood were  sworn  to  obey  those  that  were  over 
them,  the  injunction,  we  may  be  sure,  was 
yielded  to  without  any  question  or  distiu-bance. 
The  public  would  know  httle  or  nothing  as  to 
the  cause  of  its  disappearance;  and  it  would 
soon  be  generally  lo^t  sight  of  and  forgotten. 
This  seems  to  be  the  only  reasonable  ground  on 
which  to  account  for  its  singular  scarcity,  why 
so  little  is  knowai  about  it,  and  why  in  these 
days  it  comes  as  a  surprise  upon  the  pubhc. 

That  some  books  were  suppressed  in  those 
days,  and  in  many  instances  lost  sight  of,  is 
well  known  to  the  student  of  historj'.  As  early 
as  A.D.  1486,  Berthold,  Archbishop  of  Mentz, 
forbade  the  printing  and  sale  of  books  without 
license  through  the  whole  of  his  province,  and 
certain  books  were  not  allowed  to  be  published. 
But,  even  previous  to  this  time,  in  England  the 
manuscript  copies  of  Wycliffe's  version  of  the 
Scriptures  had  been  condemned  and  suppressed 


Preface.  xxxv 

by  Archbishop  ^Vi-undel.  3Iany  of  tlieni  were 
of  sinnll  size,  and  so  escaped  destruction,  since 
''they  could  easily  be  hidden  and  made  the 
constant  companion  of  the  owners."  And  in 
1501,  Pope  ^Vlexauder  VI.  issued  a  Bull,  de- 
nouncing, in  certain  provinces,  the  printing  of 
books  "containing  various  errors  and  perni- 
cious doctrines,  even  hostile  to  the  Christian 
faith'' — as  the  views  and  sentiments  of  the 
Reformers  were  at  that  time  considered.  The 
Pope  s  order  was,  that  nothing  should  be  printed 
for  the  future  except  witli  the  archiepiscopal 
license. 

And  in  those  days  it  was  accounted  no  light 
thing,  it  must  be  remembered,  to  disregard  or 
set  at  naught  the  mandates  of  the  Pope,  or 
of  the  Archbishops  acting  under  him.  What 
more  likely,  then,  that  the  "  De  Vita  "  was  early 
suppressed  by  authority,  because  it  seemed  to 
favor  the  views  of  the  Reforming  party  in  the 
Church,  who  were  so  eager  for  the  re\'ival  of 
true  and  earnest  religion — a  revival  Thomas  h 
Kempis  had  nmch  at  heai-t,  and  by  his  works 
so  zealously  promoted  ?  It  is  w-ell  known  also, 
that  certain  rulers  of  the  Church,  especially  in 
the  fifteenth  century,  not  only  opposed  the  Re- 
forming party,  but  were  intent  upon  excluding 
them  from  the  Church  and  her  sacred  ordi- 
nances ;  so  that  a  large  number  of  pious  souls, 


xxxvi  Preface. 

which  the  Chirrch  ought  to  have  retained,  were 
di'iven  b}-  unwise  treatment  to  combine  and 
provide  reUgious  services  and  comnuuiion  for 
themselves.  And  it  is  not  unhkely  that  these 
said  rulers  would  suppress  and  keep  back  from 
publication,  as  far  as  they  were  able,  all  works 
that  furthered  the  movement  of  the  Reforming 
party. 

And  the  "  De  Vita"  might  well  be  classed 
among  such  works,  not  only  from  the  character 
of  the  book,  but  inasmuch  as  it  was  at  the  first 
printed  with  a  treatise  by  Gerard  de  Zutphen ; 
who  publicly  contended,  that  an  open  Bible 
should  be  allowed,  and  the  praj-ers  of  the 
Chui'ch  said  in  the  vulgar  tongue. 

There  were,  be  it  observed,  many  Romanists 
who  greatly  esteemed  Thomas  a  Kempis  and 
Ms  works ;  and  at  one  time  there  was  a  hope, 
and  even  a  promise  made,  that  he  should  be 
canonized.  There  was  also,  and  is  now,  a  party 
among  the  Pope's  followers  much  opposed  to 
him ;  and  from  one  cause  oi-  another,  whether 
it  be  on  account  of  their  knowledge  of  the  sup- 
pression of  one  of  his  works  by  some  one  in 
authority,  or  that  he  is  considered  to  have  for- 
warded the  Refoi-mation  movement  by  his  pious 
writings,  no  Pope  has  as  5^et  been  prevailed 
upon  to  place  him  in  the  rank  of  Saints. 
Thomas  a  Becket  and  Thomas  Aquinas  have 


Preface.  :^^^ 

both  been  Sainted;  but  for  some  reason  left 
unexplained  no  sueh  distinction  has  been  ac- 
corded to  Thomas  a  Kempis ;  though  so  many 
individuals,  through  tlie  rtading  of  the  Imita- 
fioH,  have  been  led  to  live  the  saintly  life.  This 
much,  however,  is  certain :  the  celebrity  of  his 
honored  name  has  not  suffered  much  thi-ough 
this  omission  or  slight. 

Supposing  that  our  view  of  the  early  sup- 
pression of  the  *^De  Vita"  be  correct,  it  must 
have  been  well  effected ;  as  Sommalius,  a  hun- 
dred years  after  the  death  of  a  Kempis,  appar- 
ently knew  nothing  of  the  treatise  when  he 
published  his  Jirnt  edition  of  the  Ojjem  Omnia. 
And  that  the  suppression  was  secretly  and  very 
quietly  carried  out  is  further  supported  b}'  the 
fact,  that  Sommalius  introduced  the  "  De  Vita" 
when  he  pubhshed  his  second  edition.  For  had 
he  known  that  it  had  been  forbidden  in  high 
quarters,  so  true  a  son  of  the  Church  of  Rome 
w^ould  have  been  the  last  to  place  it  promi- 
nently among  the  works  of  a  Kempis.  And 
that  Sommalius,  when  informed  of  the  suppres- 
sion, and  forbidden  to  publish  the  treatise  any 
more,  paid  implicit  obedience  to  the  direction 
of  his  Ordinarj^  we  may  readily  conjecture, 
from  his  leaving  the  ''  De  Vita"  out  of  his  third 
edition  without  the  least  explanation.  This  no 
honest  and  consistent  man  of  leai-ning  would 


xxxviii  Preface. 

have  been  inclined  to  do  of  himself,  after  hav- 
ing once  published  it  as  the  work  of  Thomas  a 
Kempis,  and  thorouglily  satisfied  himself  that 
it  was  by  him. 

Not  only  did  Sommalius,  after  careful  con- 
sideration, acknowledge  the  "  De  Vita "  as  the 
production  of  Thomas,  but  he  evidently  had  a 
special  regard  and  value  for  this  particular 
work,  as  one  specially  fitted  to  promote  the  wel- 
fare of  souls  by  di'awing  them  to  Jesus  as  theii' 
Saviom*.  Fully  to  support  this  statement,  we 
have  simply  to  refer  to  the  commendatory  no- 
tice which  he  placed  on  the  title-page  to  this 
effect : — 

"  This  little  book,  concerning  the  life  and 
loving  kindnesses  of  Christ,  will  be  service- 
able to  those  who  are  accustomed  to  pray 
aloud,  and  even  to  Pastors  and  Preachers, 
who  from  hence  may  (if  they  please)  draw 
forth  pious,  devout,  and  spiiitual  concep- 
tions, which  they  may  advantageously  set 
forth  to  their  hearers." 

This  is  certainly  to  draw  attention  to  it  in  a 
veiy  marked  way. 

In  addition  to  this,  he  prefixed  the  small 
preface,  which,  though  not  written  by  him, 
since  it  is  found  in  the  earliest  edition  of  the 
"  De  Vit^  "  cir.  a.d.  1475,  was  certainly  approved 


Preface.  xxxix 

by  liiin,  as  sliowinjj^  how  serviceable  the  work 
would  be  to  eaniest-iiiiiided  Christians. 

Begiuuiug  with  a  title — 

"  On  the  Utility  of  the  Life  of  Jesus  and 
His  Passion," 

it  proceeds : — 

"  If  thou  desirest  to  be  perfectly  cleansed 
from  corruption ;  to  be  nobly  endowed 
with  vu'tues ;  to  be  eminently  enlightened 
with  the  knowledge  of  the  Seriptm-es ;  if 
thou  desirest  to  triumph  over  thy  spu'itual 
enemies ;  to  be  abundantly  comforted  in 
adversities ;  to  have  a  devout  conversation 
on  earth  ;  to  frequently  feel  compunction 
on  your  bed;  to  weep  sweeth'' in  prayer; 
to  be  fervently  inflamed  in  meditation  ;  to 
persevere  in  good  works ;  to  be  replenished 
wnth  spiritual  joy ;  to  be  carried  up  in  a 
holy  rapture  of  mind ;  to  enjoy  the  secret 
things  of  God ;  to  die  happily  at  the  last ; 
to  reign  eternally  in  heaven — exercise  thj''- 
self  in  the  life  and  sufferings  of  Jesus 
Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  whom  the  Father 
sent  into  the  world  that  He  might  show 
forth  to  all  men  a  glorious  example  of 
perfection,  and  bring  His  followers  to 
an  everlasting  Kingdom.  Therefoi'e  love 
Christ ;  follow  Jesus ;  embrace  the  Cross." 


xl  Freface. 

Though  Sommalius's  name  is  attached  to  the 
Opera  Omnia  of  Thomas  a  Kempis,  not  only  in 
the  tkree  editions  pubhshed  during  his  life,  but 
in  those  issued  after  his  death,  we  are  disposed 
to  think  that  it  was  not  of  his  own  judgment 
that  the  *'  De  Vita  "  was  excluded  from  the  third 
edition.  Our  firm  behef  is,  that,  apart  from 
Church  authority,  he  held,  to  the  end  of  his 
days,  that  Thomas  was  the  author  of  it.  In 
pursuance  of  this  idea,  it  has  been  suggested 
that  the  interests  of  the  publication  had  passed 
out  of  the  hands  of  Sommalius  into  those  of 
the  jDrinter  or  bookseller.  But  it  is  to  be 
doubted  whether  this  is  an  adequate  reason,  or 
so  likely  to  be  the  case,  that  we  may  fasten  the 
responsibility  on  them.  For,  merely  on  com- 
mercial grounds,  it  would  not  commend  the 
sale  of  the  work  to  put  forth  an  incomplete 
edition  of  the  Opera;  for  Sommalius  himself, 
in  his  second  edition,  had  stated  that  the  first 
edition,  which  did  not  contain  the  "  De  Vita," 
was  defective.  And  to  pubHsh  the  third  edition 
without  the  work  would  not  be  likely  to  bring 
it  into  favor  with  the  pubHc.  No ;  it  rather 
intimates  that  there  were  some  behind  the 
scenes,  who,  for  their  own  purposes,  carried  out 
their  design  irrespective  of  the  convictions  that 
others  held ;  and  would  not  permit,  or  give  their 


Preface.  xli 

sanction  to  the  "  De  Vitfi"  being  again  printed 
in  the  Opera  Omnia. 

And  this  is  the  more  likely  when  we  consider 
the  rehgious  controversy  which  was  then  begin- 
ning about  the  authorship  of  the  "  Dc  Iniita- 
tione  Christi."  To  this  we  must  give  a  mo- 
ment's attention.  A  party  had  sprung  up 
eagerly  bent  upon  defrauding  Thomas  h  Kenipis 
of  his  claim  to  be  the  author  of  this  much 
valued  work ;  and  it  is  in  keeping  with  their 
design  to  throw  doubt  also  on  his  authorship 
of  the  "  De  Vitii " — a  work  which  not  a  few 
thought  to  favor  the  Reformation.  John  Ger- 
son,  Chancellor  of  Paris,  who  flourished  a  few 
years  pre\dous  to  Thomas ;  and  then,  Joannes 
Gersen,  Benedictine  Abbot  of  Yercelli,  who 
lived  about  two  hundred  years  before  him,  were 
boldly  piit  forth  as  claimants  of  the  authorship 
of  the  Imitation.  D.  Cajetan  had  started  the 
claim  for  the  latter,  on  the  most  flimsy  grounds ; 
and  the  Benedictines  at  first  smiled  at  the 
audacity  and  absurdity  of  such  a  thing.  But 
afterwards,  when  it  was  thought  that  much 
glory  and  credit  would  accrue  to  their  Order, 
they,  as  a  bod}',  took  up  the  cause,  gave  him  all 
the  support  they  could,  and  countenanced  the 
claim  he  had  made.  In  1G16,  Cajetan  pub- 
lished at  Rome  a  copy  of  the  Imitation,  and 


xlii  Preface. 

attributed  it  to  the  Abbot  Gersen,  for  he  was 
not  at  fii'st  quite  certain  about  tlie  name.  Then, 
in  1621,  F.  Rosweyde  published  his  Vindicice 
Kempenses,  and  afterwards  liroug-ht  out  other 
treatises  in  defence  of  Tliomas  a  Kenipis.  D. 
Cajetan  and  the  Benedictines  were,  however, 
irrepressible ;  and  in  1C38  obtained  permission 
from  the  Congregation  of  the  Index  to  print 
the  Imitation  under  the  name  of  Gersen.  The 
controversy  waxed  ver}^  fierce,  and  almost  set 
Europe  in  a  flame.  The  Parliament  in  Paris 
undertook,  with  the  help  of  the  learned,  to 
thoroughly  sift  and  examine  the  vexed  ques- 
tion ;  and  after  two  years  they  ended,  by  for- 
bidding the  printing  of  the  Imitation  under  the 
name  of  Gersen,  and  permitted  the  Canons- 
Regular  to  publish  it  under  the  name  of 
Thomas  a  Kcmpis. 

This  slight  reference  to  the  events  which 
caused  so  much  excitement  must  suffice.  But 
it  must  be  observed,  that  as  the  opposing  party 
were  frustrated  in  overthrowing  the  rights  of 
Thomas  a  Kempis  with  regard  to  the  "De  Imi- 
tatione  Christi " ;  so  were  the}^  also  defeated,  to 
some  extent,  in  their  attempt  to  damage  his 
credit,  with  respect  to  the  authorship  of  the 
"  De  Vita  Christi  Meditation es,"  by  excluding 
that  work  from  the  Opera  Omnia  of  the  Kempen 
Brother. 


Preface.  xliii 

It  has  geucrall}'  been  tliought  that  no  action 
had  been  taken  by  the  Kenipenists  to  defend 
the  rig-ht  of  Thomas,  or  reassert  his  authorship 
to  tliis  hist  woi'k ;  after  having  been  thus  un- 
justly, and  without  any  reason  or  assignable 
ground,  deprived  of  it.  But  such  was  far  from 
being  the  case.  At  fii'st  we  nuiy  suppose  the 
defence  was  confined  to  verbal  discussions.  In 
due  time,  however,  more  active  measures  were 
taken ;  and  in  1G2G  a  small  volume,  containing 
516  pages  of  the  "  De  Vita,"  was  duly  published 
at  Cologne,  and  authorized  by  ecclesiastical 
license,  having  the  name  of  Thomas  a  Kempis 
as  its  author.  The  title  of  the  book  is  a  little 
vai'ied  from  that  in  the  Opera  by  Sommalius, 
A.D.  1G07 ;  but  upon  examination  it  is  found 
(word  for  word)  the  same  work.  It  is  as  fol- 
lows : — '•  Orationes  in  Totam  Vitani  Christi. 
Auctore  Thoma  k  Kempis.  Ex  antiquis  manu- 
seriptis,  Thomas  Gratianus,  Provinci^  Col.  Ord. 
F.F.  Eremit.  S.  Aug.  Diffinitor  eruebat."  The 
"  Librorum  Censor,"  in  giving  his  Approbation 
of  these  "  Orationes,"  says,  "  Neque  quidquam 
Christianis  moribus  et  dogmatibus  contrarium 
habeant."  Hence  the  Roman  Catholic  author- 
ity, in  another  province  to  that  in  which  the 
Opera  Omnia  was  published,  asserts  that  there 
was  no  heresy  in  it,  nor  anything  contrary  to 
Christian  morals,  as  we  have  before  intimated. 


xliv  Preface. 

But  it  is  desirable  to  notice  the  date  of  this 
valuable  book,  for  it  seems  to  tell  a  tale.  We 
have  already  implied  that  certain  persons  were 
annoyed  by  the  suppression  of  the  "  De  Vita  ■' 
in  the  third  edition  of  Sommalius,  1615.  Hope- 
less of  redress,  they  naturally  determined  to 
print  the  treatise  by  itself.  It  is  supposed  that 
at  first  some  remonstrance  was  made  by  the 
supporters  of  Thomas  a  Kempis,  and  they  en- 
tertained the  idea,  that  in  the  next  edition  of 
the  Opera  Omnia  the  "De  Vita"  might  be  re- 
stored. If  so,  gi'eat  must  have  been  their  dis- 
appointment; for  in  1G25,  the  fourth  edition 
appeared,  and  they  found  that  the  '' De  Vita" 
was  still  left  out ;  and  never  likely  to  be  piinted 
again  by  those  who  had  power  over  the  Opera 
Omnia.  No  time  was  then  lost,  for  before  the 
next  year  was  out,  i.e.  in  1G2G,  this  little  volume 
of  which  we  are  speaking,  was  printed  and 
published  as  the  work  of  Thomas  a  Kempis, 
with  the  full  consent  of  the  Chm-ch  in  the  prov- 
ince of  Cologne.  This  was  done,  we  presume, 
not  only  as  a  protest  against  the  action  of  those 
who  had  expunged  the  "De  Vita"  from  the 
Opera  Omnia,  but  also  to  declare  before  the 
world  the  authenticity  of  the  work — that  it  had 
been  written  by  Thomas  a  Kempis ;  desuing 
that  he  should  be  fully  acknowledged  as  its 
author.     This  struggle  then,  to  maintain  his 


Preface.  xlv 

right  of  authorsliip  to  the  '•  I)e  VitA,"  should 
only  enhance  its  value  to  us,  and  lead  us  to  re- 
gard it  as  some  precious  gem  recovered  for  our 
use :  just  as  the  contention,  "which  continued  so 
long  and  warmly,  between  those  opposed  to 
Thomas  and  those  in  favor  of  his  clahn  to  the 
Imitation,  led  to  its  being  held  in  higher  estima- 
tion than  ever. 

It  should  here  be  noticed  also,  that  a  transla- 
tion of  the  ^'  De  A'ita "  was  made  and  printed 
in  Paris,  a.d.  1664,  by  Thomas  Carre,  Confessor 
to  the  Canonesses  Regular  of  the  Augustinian 
Order,  who  attributes  the  work  to  Thomas  a 
Kempis.  This  Thomas  Carre  had  published  an 
able  work  during  the  great  controversy,  to 
show  that  Thomas  k  Kempis  was  incontestably 
the  author  of  the  Imitation;  and  then  before 
long  he  proclaims  that  the  same  saintly  Father 
was  the  author  also  of  the  ''De  Yita" ;  and  of 
this  he  assures  the  devout  sisters,  for  whose 
use  he  had  printed  it,  by  affixing  the  name  of 
Thomas  a  Kempis  to  it* 

Thus,  whatever  may  have  been  the  cause  for 
the  sudden  and  extraordinary  expulsion  of  the 
"De  Vita"  from  the  Opera  Omnia  of  Thomas  h 

'  As  Carre's  translation  was  made  expressly  for  Eng- 
lish Nuns  in  Paris,  only  a  few  copies  would  be  printed. 
The  work  is  now  very  rare.  Carre's  real  name  was 
Miles  Pinkney.     He  died  in  1674. 


xlvi  Preface. 

Kempis,  in  1615,  it  is  a  very  remarkable  fact, 
that,  shortly  afterwards,  there  were  those,  as 
the  representatives  of  a  large  party,  who  stoutly 
supported  the  rights  of  Thomas  to  be  its  author. 
We  have  just  noticed  the  valuable  little  edition 
of  the  "  De  Vita,"  published  entire  at  Cologne, 
in  1623,  by  Thomas  Gratianus.  Then  we  have 
the  edition  printed  in  Paris  for  Tlioinas  Carre 
in  1664,  both  claiming  the  work  as  the  j^roduc- 
tion  of  Thomas  a  Kempis.  And  now  we  bring 
forward  another  edition,  in  Spanish,  published 
three  years  before  Carre's  edition.  It  is  a  rare 
and  valuable  book  in  fine  quarto,  containing 
the  whole  of  the  "  De  Vita"  in  320  pages,  trans- 
lated by  the  great  Don  Francisco  de  Borja,  who 
ascribes  it  directl}'  to  Thomas  in  these  marked 
words :  '*  Compuesto  j)or  el  Venerable  Thomas 
de  Kempis,  Canonijo  Regular  de  la  Orden  de 
San  Augustin.  ]\idclxi  " ;  which  further  shows 
that,  though  the  treatise  received  such  ill-treat- 
ment at  the  hands  of  a  certain  school,  there 
were  nevertheless  able  and  learned  men,  who 
still  regarded  the  "De  Vita"  as  the  undoubted 
work  of  Thomas  a  Kempis,  and  recognized  it 
as  one  of  his  chief  and  most  valuable  "v\Titings. 
Moreover,  it  is  necessary  to  notice  that  a 
translation  of  the  "  De  Vita "  was  made  into 
Enghsh  by  Henry  Lee,  LL.B.,  in  1760.  But  in 
this  case,  so  much  of  the  translator's  reflections 


Preface.  xhii 

and  other  references  to  Scriptm-e  are  added, 
that  it  is  difficult  to  tell  what  really  is  Lee's  and 
wliat  belongs  to  Thomas  a  Kenipis,  to  whom  the 
whole  volume  is  inscribed.  It  is  most  desir- 
able, therefore,  that  a  new  translation  be  made 
of  the  '•  De  Vita,"  in  which  rarely  is  any  word 
given  but  what  has  been  "WTitten  by  the  devout 
author  himself.  This  is  as  necessary  as  the 
re-authentication  of  its  real  author;  that  the 
public  may  have  some  confidence  that  thej'  are 
using  a  most  precious  and  veritable  treatise  by 
the  author  of  the  Inntation — Thomas  a  Kempis. 
Though  the  story  of  the  blessed  Gospel  is 
now  so  familiar  to  the  minds  of  the  humblest 
reader,  througli  the  free  circulation  of  the  Holy 
Scriptm-es,  yet  it  may  not  come  with  that  fresh- 
ness and  delight,  and  eager  desire  to  know 
more  about  the  things  revealed  to  us,  as  it  did 
to  many  in  the  days  previous  to  the  actual 
Reformation.  Nevertheless,  we  may  conceive 
what  a  boon  the  "  De  Vita  "  ninst  have  been  at 
that  time  to  earnest  Christian  souls,  just  emerg- 
ing out  of  the  darkness  with  which  they 
had  been  encompassed.  This  priceless  volume 
would  be  as  a  little  Gospel  to  them,  to  enlighten 
their  minds,  to  press  home  to  their  consciences 
its  deep  importance.  It  would  be  to  them  like 
a  guide,  who,  being  well  versed  in  the  sacred 
story,  would   lead   them    through  it   in   some 


xlviii  Prrface. 

orderly  manuer.  The  touching  pages  point 
our  attention  to  the  various  scenes  of  the  Di- 
vine Life  of  oiu"  Master  on  earth  as  they  hap- 
pened, and  tell  us  about  each  one  of  them — the 
particulars  and  the  holy  words  He  spake  from 
time  to  time — that  we  may  become  deeply  inter- 
ested in  each  event,  and  learn  holy  lessons  from 
them  all. 

Even  in  these  days,  though  it  may  be  said 
that  we  are  living  in  the  full  blaze  of  Gospel 
light,  the  ''  De  Vita "  has  a  definite  value  for 
us.  It  must  be  remembered,  that  there  is  stdl 
a  knowledge  and  interest  in  the  life  of  Jesus  to 
be  obtained  over  and  above  the  common,  or,  as 
Thomas  would  call  it,  the  exterior  reading  or 
understanding  of  the  Gospel.  We  are  enabled 
to  gain  from  it  something  far  more  valuable 
than  the  mere  outward  sense  of  the  words — 
even  a  saving  knowledge  of  Divine  Truth.  In 
heart  and  life  we  are  drawn  to  Jesus  with  a 
deeper  love  and  attachment,  and  become  one 
with  Him  to  om-  infinite  delight.  Hear  what 
Thomas  a  Kempis  says  in  the  Imitafwii  to  im- 
press this  truth  upon  us  : — 

"  Remember  the  profession  you  made,  and 
set  always  before  your  eyes  the  image  of  the 
Crucified." 

"  You  may  well  be  ashamed  as  you  contem- 
plate the  Life  of  Jesus  Christ,  when  you  see  how 


Preface.  xli-^ 

little  yoii  have  endeavored  to  make  your  own 
life  like  His — long  as  you  have  walked  in  God's 
way. 

"  A.  religious  person,  who  earnestly  and  de- 
voutly gives  himself  to  the  contemplation  of  the 
most  holy  life  and  passion  of  our  Lord.  wiU 
find  in  it  abundance  of  all  that  is  profitable  and 
needful  for  him  ;  nor  wdll  he  require  to  seek  out 
of  Jesus  for  anything  better. 

"O,  if  Jesus  crucified  could  enter  into  om* 
hearts,  how  quickly  slioidd  we  learn  all  that  is 
necessary"  (book  i.,  chapter  xxv.). 

Or  again,  as  it  is  rendered  in  the  rhythmic 
version : — 

"  Your  thoughts  must  be  with  God  on  high, 
Your  prayers  unceasingly  must  go  straight  up  to 

Christ. 
And  if  you  know  not  how  to  muse  on  high  and 

heavenly  themes, 
Rest  your  thoughts  on  -what  Christ  suffered, 
And  let  them  love  to  dwell  upon  His  holy  wounds ; 
For  if  you  hurry  with  good  thoughts 
To  Jesus'  wounds  and  to  the  precious  nail-prints, 
In  your  trials  you  ^vill  feel  great  comfort ; 
You  will  think  but  little  of  the  scorn  of  men, 
And  with  ease  you  M-ill  endure  detracting  words." 

Book  ii.,  chapter  i. 

Thomas  5,  Kempis  thus,  once  more  and  again, 
recommends  to  us  the  use  of  such  a  work  as 
the  '•  De  Vita."     It  was  his  great  and  longing 


1  Preface. 

desire  to  lead  men  to  Christ  Himself,  to  learn 
of  Him :  that,  however  excellent,  comprehen- 
sive, and  engaging-  were  the  words  of  His  ser- 
vants, and  the  sayings  of  His  Saints,  it  was 
better  to  come  ourselves  to  the  Master  Himself, 
and  be  taught  "from  the  simplicity  that  is  in 
Chiist  Jesus."  His  life,  simply,  truthfully,  and 
touchingiy  told,  is  still  the  best  book  for  learn- 
ing the  true  life  of  a  Christian. 

There  is,  we  may  be  sure,  a  wonderfid  power 
in  the  sacred  exercise  this  book  brings  before 
us;  the  influence  of  which  is  not  sufficiently 
comprehended,  and  consequently  wdU  not  be  so 
diligently  sought  for  as  it  should  be.  We 
know,  even  in  ordinary  life,  how  it  occasionally 
happens  that,  when  a  person  constantly  asso- 
ciates with  another  individual  hving  on  a  higher 
level  than  he  himself  has  hitherto  done,  how 
gradually  and  insensibly  he  is  lifted  up  above 
himself,  and  becomes  like  to  him  whose  whole 
conversation  he  so  justly  admu'es ;  so  that  in  a 
few  years  a  remarkable  improvement  of  char- 
acter takes  place.  And  so,  only  in  a  greater 
degree,  is  it  with  those  earnest  souls  who  live 
much  with  Jesus ;  having  His  life  constantly 
before  them,  daily  and  hom-ly  learning  from 
Him.  By  more  intimate  acquaintance  with 
Christ,  they  are  not  only  drawn  nearer  to  Him, 
but  are  drawn  to  love  Him  more  deeply,  to 


rveface.  H 

trust  ill  Him  more  entiroly,  and  become  more 
like  Him  iu  their  daily  living. 

This  may  be  said  of  prayer  iu  general,  but 
the  result  to  which  we  allude  is  more  fully 
secured,  when  our  prayers  and  devotions  are 
especially  directed  to  the  life  and  loving-kind- 
nesses of  the  Lord  Jesus.  The  contemplation 
of  the  sorrows  and  inconveniences,  the  shame 
and  desertion,  the  Cross  and  Passion,  and  the 
horrible  death,  which  the  Lord  wiUingly  en- 
dm-ed  for  us,  should  teach  and  beget  iu  us  the 
spirit  of  self-sacritice  and  self-denial,  a  readiness 
to  live  and  lay  oiu'selves  out — our  means  and 
abilities  and  gifts — for  the  good  of  othei-s.  The 
soul  becomes  steadily  centred  on  Christ,  until 
His  image  is  stamped  upon  it.  A  marvellous 
and  transforming  influence  is  wrought  in  those 
who,  day  by  day  and  year  by  year,  constantly 
have  His  life  before  them,  and  prayerfully 
mark  His  blessed  footsteps.  In  time  this  most 
sacred  exercise  will  manifest  itself  even  in  the 
outward  appearance,  so  that  men  will  take 
''knowledge  of  them  that  they  have  been  "wdtli 
Jesus."  This  will  happen  to  them,  of  which  St. 
Paul  speaks :  "  We  aU,  with  open  face  behold- 
ing as  in  a  glass  the  gloiy  of  the  Lord,  are 
changed  into  the  same  image  from  glory  to 
glory,  even  as  by  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord"  (2 
Cor.'iii.  18). 


^"  Preface. 

A  few  observations  must  be  made  about  this 
undertaking  before  concluding.  As  in  some 
of  the  former  editions  of  the  Imitation  it  was 
found  desu-able  to  omit  certain  passages,  so 
also  has  it  been  felt  advisable  to  do  so,  even  to 
a  greater  extent,  in  the  "  De  Vita."  Any  words 
sanctioning  Mariolatry,  and  the  Invocation  of 
Saints  or  Angels,  or  any  occasional  allusion  to 
some  corruption  or  error  prevalent  in  the  Pre- 
Reformation  Chui-ch,  are  carefully  excluded. 
Indeed,  three  entire  chapters  are  left  out :  two 
in  the  second  Part,  which,  to  a  certain  extent, 
repeat  what  had  gone  before ;  the  other  chapter 
is  in  the  tliu'd  Part,  founded  on  Christ's  appear- 
ance after  His  ResuiTCction  to  the  Virgin  JMary. 
That  appearance  has  no  authority  in  Holy 
Scripture,  or  in  the  primitive  Church,  and  can 
only  have  been  imaginary  or  conjectural. 

The  initial  words  of  almost  all  the  chapters 
— viz.,  ''I  bless  and  give  Thee  thanks,"  etc., 
together  with  the  various  titles  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  are  carefully  retained,  as  suitable 
to  the  opening  of  fresh  points  in  our  Saviour's 
life.  The  reader  must  not  look  for  a  f uU  his- 
torical narrative,  or  any  critical  account  of  the 
life  of  Christ,  but  rather  for  graphic  and  im- 
pressive pictures  of  the  great  scenes  or  outlines, 
drawn  by  the  pen  of  a  most  devoted  and  loving 
follower  of  oui'  Lord.     In  these  the  most  notice- 


Preface.  liii 

aMe  oiivTiinstanoes  of  His  life  are  severally,  in 
the  first  place,  unfolded  to  our  view,  and  made 
the  subject  of  fervent  thanksgiving.  Then,  in 
the  second  place,  each  is  enlarged  upon  by  way 
of  meditation.  Thus  oui*  atfectious  are  sweetly 
drawn  to  Christ,  and  kindled  into  a  holy  flame 
of  zealous  love  for  Him.  And  thirdJif.  after 
the  heart  is  thus  devoutly  exercised  with  the 
warm  recognition  of  all  that  Christ  has  done 
and  suffered  for  him,  the  reader  is  led  to  make 
an  earnest  supplication  that  he  may  enjoy  the 
fruits  thereof,  and  be  made  thoroughly  con- 
formable to  the  blessed  steps  of  His  most  holy 

'*•  S.  K. 

Eastbourxe,  1891. 


PART    I. 


FROM  THE  INCARNATION   OF  CHRIST 
TO  HIS  PASSION. 


CHAPTER  I. 

A  JIEDITATION    OR    PRAYER    CALLING    ON    US  TO 
PRAISE   GOD   FOR  HIS   EXCELLENT   GREATNESS. 

OLORD  my  God,  I  desii-e  to  praise  Thee, 
for  to  that  end  was  I  created.  Open 
Thou  my  mouth  in  Thy  praise,  that  I  may  sing 
to  the  glory  of  Thy  Name.  Rouse  my  heart  to 
Thee,  keep  from  me  all  weariness,  infuse  grace, 
kindle  in  me  love,  that  I  may  pay  Thee  the 
due  tribute  of  gi-ateful  thanks. 

Take  away  the  iniquity  of  Thy  servant, 
cleanse  me  from  all  pollution  of  flesh  and  spirit, 
that  my  lips  may  worthily  honor  Thy  holy 
Name. 

But  who  can  fully  declare  the  profound  dig- 
nity of  Thy  Majesty — who  can  fully  utter  its 
praise  ?  Lo  !  all  the  powers  of  heaven,  all  the 
holy  Angels  cannot  attain  thereto.  How  infi- 
nitely less  then  frail  man,  who  is  corrupt  and 
but  a  worm !  AU  creation,  all  reason,  every 
tongue  and  language,  cannot  duly  praise  Thee. 

What  then?  Because  I  cannot  worthily 
praise  Thee,  shall  I  close  ray  lips  ?     Because  I 


6  Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

know  that  I  am  imclean  and  insnfficient,  shall 
•I  therefore  be  silent  as  one  altogether  dumb  ? 

Far  from  me  be  that  ingratitude,  when  rea- 
sonable man,  whom  Thou  hast  endowed  so  plen- 
teously,  should  above  all  Thy  creatures  sing  to 
Thy  glory. 

O  Thou  Father  of  mercies  and  God  of  infinite 
goodness !  I  know,  indeed,  and  witli  all  my 
heart  confess,  that  I  am  before  Thee  a  sinner 
most  unworthy ;  and  ought,  mth  downcast 
look  and  with  tears  and  sighs,  to  plead  for 
pardon,  rather  than  with  polluted  lips  laud  and 
make  mention  of  Thy  most  holy  Name. 

Yet,  trusting  in  Thy  tender  mercy  and  inher- 
ent sweetness,  I  desire,  from  the  verv  depths  of 
my  soul,  to  laud  Thee ;  praying  Thee  with  the 
bowels  of  Thy  compassion  not  to  despise  me  as 
vile  and  corruptible,  nor  to  hold  me  back  from 
praising  Thy  glorious  Name  ;  but  so  to  quicken 
and  move  my  inner  soul,  that  with  devout  and 
joyful  voice  I  may  gladly  honor  Thee. 

Thou,  O  Lord  God,  art  Thine  own  praise, 
neither  canst  Thou  be  praised  with  befitting 
dignity,  save  by  Thyself,  who  art  the  Maker 
and  Controller  of  all  things ;  from  whom  all 
things  have  their  beginning,  their  vii'tue,  and 
their  operation,  tending  to  the  glory  and  honor 
of  Thy  Name. 

Thou  art,  therefore,  ever  to  be  praised  and 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.  7 

magnified  throughout  all  creation.  But  Thy 
Name  far  transcends  all  utterance.  Tongue 
cannot  utter  all  Thy  praise,  when  the  mind, 
contemplating  Thy  Majesty,  would  fain  extol 
Thee  as  Thou  art,  according  to  Thy  excellent 
greatness. 

Let  therefore  Thine  own  incomprehensible 
Essence,  0  my  God,  Thine  inexpressible  Om- 
nipotence, Thine  unsearchable  Wisdom,  Thine 
unutterable  Sweetness,  Thine  immeasurable 
Holiness,  praise  Thee. 

Let  Thy  pre-eminent  Goodness,  Thy  bound- 
less Mercy,  Thine  everlasting  Strength,  Thine 
ineffable  Majesty,  praise  Thee. 

Let  Thine  infallible  Truth,  Thine  unchange- 
able Equity,  Thy  never-failing  Light,  Thy  most 
perfect  Knowledge,  and  Thine  in\'iolable  Sub- 
stance, praise  Thee. 

Let  Thy  most  righteous  Justice,  Thy  most  pro- 
found Decrees,  Thy  calm  and  loving  Govern- 
ment, and  Thy  resistless  Power,  praise  Thee. 

Let  Thy  wondrous  Majesty,  Thy  supreme 
Lo\dng-kindness,  Thy  most  benign  Good-pleas- 
ure, Thy  most  fair  Beauty,  and  Th}'  most  tender 
Compassion,  praise  Thee. 

Let  everv'  title  that  can  show  forth  Thy 
greatness,  every  w(n'd  that  can  be  uttered  in 
proclaiming  Thee,  praise  Thee  and  magnify 
Thee  for  ever. 


8  Meditations  o)i  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Let  the  whole  Court  of  Heaven  unceasingly 
and  for  ever  extol  Thy  divine  Majesty. 

Let  the  thousand  thousands  of  Angels,  serv- 
ing Tliee  with  due  reverence,  sing  aloud  to  Thy 
Name  their  songs  of  infinite  thankfulness. 

And  let  the  heavenly  citizens,  ten  thousand 
times  ten  thousand,  who  for  ever  stand  before 
Thee,  praise  Thee  Avith  boundless  joy,  and  adore 
Thee  with  the  deepest  reverence. 

And  on  my  behalf,  let  all  this  most  blissful 
assembly  of  the  celestial  Court  salute  Thee 
with  the  most  devout  and  acceptable  salutation, 
praising  and  glorifying  Thee  for  ever. 

Let  also  the  pure  and  bright  aspirations  of 
the  Saints,  and  all  the  mellifluous  eloquence  of 
the  Doctors,  every  distinct  virtue,  every  perfect 
desire  exercised  in  honor  of  Thy  Name,  with  the 
universal  melody  of  all  creation,  bless  Thee  to 
the  utmost,  and  throughout  all  ages  extol  Thy 
glorious  Deity. 

And  let  all  Thy  Saints  and  Thine  Elect, 
whose  names  are  written  in  the  Book  of 
Life,  laud  and  glorify  Thee  with  perpetual 
praise. 

Blessed  Lord  God,  I  entreat  Thee  for  the  full 
remission  of  my  sins,  for  a  good  death  and  a 
peaceful  departure.  May  I  escape  the  bitter 
pains  of  eternal  punishment,  and  enjoy  the 
beatific  vision   of  celestial   glory.     May  I.  in 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.  9 

Christ,  be  found  worthy  to  dwell  in  Thy  pres- 
ence for  ever. 


CHAPTER  II. 


ON   THE  CREATION  OF  THE  FIRST  MAN,  AND   HIS 
MISERABLE   FALL. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Holy 
Trinity,  and  inseparable  Unity — Father, 
Son,  and  Holy  Ghost — Thou  One  true  omnipo- 
tent God,  who,  to  declare  the  unspeakable 
bounty  of  Thy  Goodness,  didst  in  the  beginning 
create  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  the  sea,  and 
aU  that  in  them  is ;  and  hast  raised  man,  by  a 
peculiar  honor  and  dignity,  a])ove  Thy  other 
creatm-es,  to  Thy  inuige  and  likeness,  by  mak- 
ing him  powerful  in  dominion,  wise  in  reason, 
and  innocent  in  Ufe. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee,  for  the  lavish 
bounty  ^vitll  which  Thou  didst  honor  man  in 
Paradise  wdth  delights  flowing  to  him  on  every 
side ;  that,  possessing  them  all  to  Thy  perpetual 
praise  and  glory,  he  might  have  the  fruition  of 
things  above,  and  the  government  of  those  be- 
low. 

I  praise  and  magnify  Thee,  O  most  holy  God, 
for  Thy  excellent  mercy  and  unutterable  com- 
passion, in  sparing  man  from  irreparable  con- 


10        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

demnation,  when  lie  with  base  ingratitude  for- 
gat  all  Thy  benefits ;  banisliing  him  for  his  sins 
from  the  delights  of  Paradise,  that  he  might 
be  led  to  penitence. 

For,  althongh  by  his  transgi'ession  he  merited 
eternal  punishment,  being  totally  undeserving 
of  pardon,  yet  Thou  didst  not  inflict  the  full 
severity  of  Thy  justice,  but  rather  didst  display 
the  sweetness  of  Thine  ineffable  mercy;  by 
placing  him  under  the  yoke  of  a  fitting  peni- 
tence, and  extending  to  him  in  due  season  the 
soothing  balm  of  Thy  long-desired  pardon. 

And  this  was  so  done,  that  the  rational  being, 
who  wilfully  fell  through  his  own  iniquity, 
might  be  saved  by  Thy  grace.  Hence  aU  faith- 
ful souls  ought  ever  to  render  thanks  to  Thee, 
and  not  trust  in  their  own  strength,  nor  glory 
in  their  own  righteousness. 

For  we  are  Thy  creatures,  O  my  God ;  we 
subsist  by  Thy  goodness,  and  of  Thy  bounty 
receive  what  we  have.  Yet,  by  our  proneness 
to  evil,  how  quickly  we  slip  and  fall.  And, 
unless  we  were  again  raised  up  and  estabhshed 
under  the  safeguard  of  Thy  mercy,  we  should 
for  ever  be  transgressing,  and  so  pine  away  in 
our  iniqidties. 

Therefore,  O  most  gracious  God,  we  implore 
Thy  compassion,  we  call  to  mind  the  abundance 
of  Thy  loiing-kindness.   With  sweet  accents  we 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        11 

announce  Thy  gentleness,  and  tell  it  out  with 
gladness. 

Yea,  now  with  grateful  hearts  we  offer  to 
Thee  tlie  sacrifice  of  holy  praise  for  the  multi- 
tude of  Thy  favors,  which  Thou  hast  so  plenti- 
fully showered  on  us  Thy  childi-en,  sold  under 
sin. 


CHAPTER  III. 

ON  THE  RECOVERY  OF  MAN,  AND  THE  PROMISE 
OF  CHRIST'S  ADVENT. 

OLORD  GOD,  Almighty  and  Merciful, 
Whose  nature  is  love.  Whose  will  is 
power,  Whose  property  it  is  ever  to  have  com- 
passion, I  bless  Thee  and  give  Thee  thanks  for 
Thine  infinite  pity  and  gracious  goodness,  with 
which  Thou  didst  hasten  to  recall  man,  deceived 
by  the  guile  of  the  devil,  and  prostrated  by 
contact  with  deadly  sin,  from  his  manifold 
transgi'essions  and  defilements,  by  the  way 
of  penitence,  to  a  state  of  well-doing.  For, 
tlu-ough  the  quickening  promise  of  Thine  Ad- 
vent, Thou  didst  grant  unto  him  the  hope  of 
pardon.  Thou  didst  abundantly  bestow  upon 
him  the  comforting  prospect  of  salvation. 

And,   lest   man  should   at   any  time   make 
ignorance  a  plea  for  his  ill-doing.  Thou  hast 


12        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

guarded  him  from  eiTor  by  frequent  admoni- 
tious,  by  revealing  Thy  Law,  by  inflicting 
plagues,  by  open  judgments  on  sinners,  by 
abundant  signs,  by  promise  of  future  bless- 
ings ;  so  that  all  might  be  \\ithout  excuse,  who 
are  not  converted  to  Thy  worship  and  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  Truth. 

For,  dm-iug  the  five  ages  of  Patriarchs, 
Judges,  Priests,  Kings,  and  Prophets,  from 
righteous  Abel  unto  John  the  Baptist,  Thy 
Forermmer,  Thou  didst  not  cease  by  signs  and 
oracles  wonderful  and  many  to  foretell,  prom- 
ise, and  prefigiu-e  Thy  desired  Advent;  that, 
by  so  many  witnesses  preceding  Thee  and 
declaring  Thy  mysteries.  Thou  mightest  stir  up 
our  minds  to  receive  the  Faith,  and  ardently 
inflame  our  dull  affections  by  the  lively  exam- 
ples of  so  many  ancient  Fathers. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

ON  THE  REDEMPTION  OF  THE  HITMAN  RACE 
THROUGH  THE  ]\IYSTERY  OF  THE  INCARNATE 
WORD. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  God, 
Thou  Creator  and  Redeemer  of  mankind, 
for    Thy    exceeding    great    Loving-kindness, 


MiilHatio)is  OH  the  Life  of  Christ.        13 

wlu'ivby  Thou  wonkiest  that  niau,  wondorfiilly 
created,  should  be  the  more  wonderfully 
restored. 

For,  when  we  were  yet  Thine  enemies  and 
death  had  long  exendsed  an  evil  power  over  the 
whole  family  of  man,  Thou  didst  call  to  mind 
Thine  abundant  mercies  and  look  down  from 
the  sublime  habitation  of  Thy  glory  into  tliis 
vale  of  tears  and  misery. 

Forasnnich  as  Thou  sawest  on  earth  the  gi'eat 
affliction  of  Thy  people,  the  gi-ievous  burden  of 
the  sons  of  Adam ;  inwardly  moved  by  the 
sweetness  of  Thine  inherent  love,  Thou  didst, 
in  Thy  Avisdom,  devise  peace  and  redemption 
for  us. 

For,  wlien  the  fulness  of  time  was  come, 
Thou,  the  Day-sj^ring  from  on  high,  caniest  to 
visit  us,  and  didst  fulfil  the  desires  of  the 
Prophets  by  manifesting  Thyself  in  Thine 
assimied  flesh,  and  appearing  among  men — very 
God  and  very  man. 

I  bless  and  praise  Thee,  O  Jesus  Christ,  our 
Saviour,  for  Thy  exceeding  gi-eat  humility  in 
deigning  to  choose  as  Thy  Mother  a  lowly 
maiden ;  whom  also  Thou  didst  cause  to  be 
espoused  to  the  poor  cai'penter  Joseph — a  man 
truly  just  and  devout. 

I  bless  Thee  for  the  glorious  Annunciation 
of  Thy  Incarnation,  and  for  the  holy  Angelic 


14        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Salutation,  -with  which  the  Augel  Gabriel  did 
hail  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  declaring  to  her 
the  divine  mystery,  that  from  her  the  Son  of 
God  should  be  Incarnate. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee  for  the  wondrous 
faith  of  the  Virgin  Maiy,  for  her  tii-m  assent 
and  the  lowliness  of  her  answer;  for  all  her 
virtues  specially  manifested  when  thus  obedi- 
ently she  responded  to  the  glad  tidings  of  the 
Archangel : — "  Behold  the  handmaid  of  the 
Lord,  be  it  unto  me  according  to  Thy  Word." 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee,  0  Eternal  Wisdom 
of  the  Father,  for  the  amazing  descent  of  Thy 
unattainable  Majesty  into  the  common  prison- 
house  of  oiu"  mortal  nature,  and  for  Thy  sinless 
Conception  by  the  Wonderful  co-operation  of 
the  Holy  Spirit.  For  in  the  virgin  w^omb  of 
Mary,  the  ineffable  power  of  the  Most  High 
overshadowing  her.  Thy  sacred  and  adorable 
body  was  formed  from  the  flesh  of  an  undeflled 
vdrgin.  For  Thou,  the  true  God,  consubstantial 
with  the  eternal  Father,  wast  made  one  flesh 
with  us  without  the  contagion  of  sin ;  that 
Thou  mightest  make  us  one  Spirit  with  Thee 
through  the  adoption  of  the  Sons  of  God. 

I  praise  and  magnify  Thee  for  the  sponta- 
neous emptying  Thyself  of  Thy  glorious  ful- 
ness, and  lo\dngly  taking  upon  Thee  our  suffer- 
ings, our  lowliness,  oui"  weakness,  and  our  mor- 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        15 

tality ;  that  Tliou  mightest  i-cplenisli  us  by 
einptying  Thyself,  lieal  us  by  Tliy  sufferings, 
exalt  us  by  Thy  k)wliness,  strengthen  us  by 
Thy  weakness,  and  by  Thy  mortality  bring  us 
to  a  glorious  immortality. 

I  praise  and  highly  exalt  Thee,  that  Thou, 
who  in  Thy  Divinity  hast  neither  times  nor 
yeai's,  but  hast  ordained  to  eveiy  operation  of 
nature  its  proper  season  and  order,  didst  await 
the  due  time  of  birth,  and  for  nine  months  wei-t 
hidden  \vithin  the  iiairow  limits  of  a  Virgin's 
womb. 

O  what  loving  and  wondrous  condescension, 
that  Thou,  who  art  endless  and  essential  Glory, 
shouldest  not  a])hor  being  made  a  despised 
worm ;  that  Thou,  Who  hast  created  all  things 
by  Thy  word,  shouldest  for  our  deliverance 
wiUingly  bear  our  sori'OAvs  ! 

O  most  sweet  Jesus,  the  brightness  of  Eternal 
Glory,  the  lower  Thou  madest  Thyself  in  hu- 
manity the  more  didst  Thou  sliow  forth  to  me 
Thy  goodness;  the  more  Thou  becamest  vile 
for  me,  the  more  art  Thou  precious  to  my  soul. 


16        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Chnst. 
CHAPTER  V. 

ON   THE  NATIVITY  AND  POVERTY   OP  JESUS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  0  Lord 
Jesii  Christ,  the  Only-begotteu  of  the 
Father,  unutterably  born  before  all  worlds, 
that  Thou  didst  vouchsafe,  in  Thy  great  humil- 
ity, to  be  born  in  a  cattle-soiled  stable,  that  from 
love  of  holy  poverty  Thou  didst  find  lowly  rest 
in  a  manger, 

I  praise  Thee,  O  most  loving  Jesus,  for  Thy 
transcendent  origin,  for  Thy  glorious  Nativity 
from  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  for  Thy  poverty 
and  humble  repose  in  so  small  and  so  mean  a 
cradle. 

Who  can  worthily  meditate  on  the  most  high 
God  becoming  so  low  for  the  sake  of  man.  O, 
what  cries  of  gratitude  should  he  raise  unto 
Thee,  Who,  for  his  redemption,  didst  choose 
the  narrow  manger. 

0  boundless  mercy !  O  marvellous  sweet- 
ness !  O  most  comforting  love !  God,  born 
as  a  little  child,  wrapped  in  swaddling  clothes 
of  little  worth,  placed  in  the  narrow  crib  among 
the  brute  creatm-es  of  His  hands.  O  Humility 
incomprehensible !  that  the  Lord  of  all  Lords 


j\ff(Ii(fifioiis  on  ihf  Life  of  Christ.         17 

should  deign  with  His  servants  to  be  a  fellow- 
servant. 

But,  O  Lord  God,  little  was  it  to  Thee  that 
Thou,  who  art  my  ('reator,  shouldest  he  my 
Father,  and  deign  also  to  become  my  Brother, 
as  very  man — my  flesh,  yet  without  its  corrup- 
tion. 

0  Nativity,  above  nature,  yet  for  the  restora- 
tion thereof !  surpassing  all  ordinaiy  births  by 
the  majesty  of  the  miracle ;  and  by  divine  vir- 
tue comforting  man  in  his  sad  entrance  into 
Ufe. 

0  how  blessed  and  most  lovely  was  Thy 
Nati\ity,  most  sweet  Jesus !  Thou  Child  of 
the  excellent  Virgin,  Offspring  of  Thy  Blessed 
Mother  Mary.  Who  dost  repair  the  flaws  of 
man's  birth,  i-enews  his  condition,  cancels  prej- 
udice, blotting  out  the  handwriting  against 
him.  Thus,  when  distressed  as  born  a  child  of 
wrath  from  the  stock  of  Adam,  he  can  rejoice 
in  Thy  undefiled  Nativity,  well  assured  that  by 
Thy  grace  he  is  most  happily  regenerate. 

1  give  Thee  thanks  for  Thy  freely-bestowed 
and  glorious  Nati\ity,  O  Jesus  Christ,  Thou 
Only-begotten  Son  of  God.  through  whom  we 
have  access  to  this  gi-ace,  wherein  we  stand  and 
trust;  looking  hopefully  for  the  glory  of  the 
sons  of  God,  promised  anew  to  us  from  Heaven. 

Thou   ai-t   the   pledge   of   our   Redemption. 


18        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ 

Thou  art  the  eternal  hope  of  all.  To  Thee  as 
supphant  sinners  we  flee  for  refuge,  for  Thou 
didst  search  us  out,  when  as  yet  we  had  no 
knowledge  of  Thee. 

O  holy  and  sweet  Childhood,  which  inf  usest 
true  innocency  into  the  heart  of  man,  by  which 
every  age  may  return  to  a  blessed  infancy  and 
be  made  like  unto  Thee,  not  in  Httleness  of 
body,  but  by  humility  of  the  senses  and  godli- 
ness of  conversation. 

Grant  unto  me,  O  benign  Jesus,  to  f  oUow  the 
holy  steps  of  Thy  lowliness  and  poverty ;  Who, 
to  give  unto  all  men  an  example  of  hoUness  and 
the  remedy  of  eternal  salvation,  wast  wilhng  to 
be  born  of  the  Virgin  Mary  in  the  hour  of  mid- 
night. 

Bid  me,  with  the  Angels  and  all  the  heavenly 
host,  whom  Thou  madest  the  joyful  heralds  of 
Thy  Nativit}%  devoutly  to  sing,  A\T.th  gi-ateful 
heart,  thanks  and  praise  to  Thee.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

ON   THE  TRIALS   AND   WANTS   OF   JESUS   IN 
POVERTY. 

OLORD   JESU   CHRIST,  I  bless  and  give 
Thee  thanks  for  Thy  gracious  endiu-ance 
of  many  trials,  even  at  the  very  beginning  of 


Meditatiotis  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        19 

Thy  nati\'ity,  and  for  Thy  harsli  taste  of  ex- 
treme poverty. 

For,  when  Thou,  O  God,  wast  born  into  the 
woHd.  Tliou  didst  choose  the  niglit  season  for 
privac}',  and  the  cold  of  winter  for  Thy  dehght. 

Nor  didst  Thou  seek  a  briUiant  palace  meet 
for  Thy  royal  dignity,  but  a  small  cril)  to  pro- 
tect Thy  tender  infancy. 

O  poverty  most  poor,  in  that  Thou,  WTio 
rulest  the  universe  and  didst  for  Adam  make 
a  coat  of  skins,  and  with  a  wondrous  variety 
adorn  the  heaven  with  stars,  the  earth  with 
flowers,  and  the  cattle  with  hairy  hides,  hadst 
scarcely  coarse  clothing  enough  to  swathe 
Thee! 

O  holy  poverty  of  the  Son  of  God !  more 
precious  far  than  all  the  riches  of  the  world ; 
who,  in  its  fulness  can  approach  thereto  ?  Wlio 
of  the  family  of  man  hath  e'er  endured  such 
straits  ?  What  record,  what  tongue,  what  ex- 
ample tells  of  Saint  of  old.  who,  when  hfe 
began,  suffered  miseiy  so  early '? 

Therefore,  to  Thee,  O  Jesu,  glorious  King, 
Thou  lovely  Child,  do  I  most  heartily  present 
my  fuUest  praises ;  beseeching  Thy  sweetness, 
that  Thou  wouldest  grant  me  lovingly  to  em- 
brace the  gifts  of  Thy  holy  penury,  and  by  Thy 
grace  to  endure  such  trials  with  a  patient  spirit. 

Thou   didst  come  down  from  Heaven  that 


20        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Thou  mightest  make  povert}^  our  delight ;  and 
becamest  poor  by  assuming"  what  attaches  to 
man,  although,  in  that  which  is  Thine  Own, 
Thou  art  ever  rich  and  abounding. 

I  highly  extol  Thee  for  the  assumption  of  our 
poverty  and  weakness,  for  to  Thee  were  we  so 
dear,  that  Thou,  by  a  participation  of  our  frail 
natiu'c,  having  laid  aside  Thy  royal  diadem, 
didst  humble  Thyself  to  be  numbered  as  one  of 
the  sons  of  Adam,  yet  ever  utterly  free  from 
every  stain  of  sin. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

ON  THE  CRIES  OF  THE  INFANT  JESUS. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Thou  joy  of 
Angels,  Thou  Consoler  of  the  miserable, 
I  bless  and  give  Thee  thanks  for  the  tears  and 
cries  of  Thine  infancy,  by  which  Thou  didst 
sorrowfully  bewail  the  sins  of  the  sons  of 
Adam. 

Wondrous  truth,  stupendous  condescension  ! 
That  God,  whom  Angels  laud  in  heaven,  should 
cry  as  a  cradled  infant ;  that  He,  who  dispenses 
life,  and  sustains  aU,  should,  as  a  mortal  being, 
draw  a  mother's  breasts;  He,  who  speaks  by 
thunder,  and  waters  the  earth  with  showers, 


Mcdifdfioiis  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        21 

should  be  held  iu  the  hands  and  carried  in  the 
arms  us  a  helpless  infant. 

Behold  how  the  lowest  things  are  joined  to- 
gether with  the  highest;  things  human  with 
those  that  are  divine  !  Therefore  the  weepings 
of  Thy  wailing  infancy  piu'ify  me,  and  Thy 
tears  deplore  my  sins. 

To  Thy  sorrows  then,  O  Lord,  am  I  the  more 
indebted,  iu  that  I  have  been  redeemed,  than  to 
Thy  works  that  Thou  hast  created  me. 

O  how  much  ought  I  to  gi'ieve  for  my  sins, 
since  Thou,  O  Lord,  didst  never  cease  to  bewail 
them ! 

O  how  deep  were  the  wounds  of  my  soul, 
tliat  Thou  shouldest  for  their  healing  pour  forth 
Thy  tears  so  plenteously  ! 

Yet  it  is  not  wonderful,  nor  is  it  against 
reason,  to  think  that  in  compassion  Thou 
shouldest  so  soitow  ;  seeing  that  Thou  earnest 
to  shed  Thy  most  precious  Blood,  to  cleanse  us 
from  our  every  sin. 

Therefore  I  praise  Thee,  O  beloved  Jesus, 
and  evermore  will  I  extol  Thee  for  Thy  most 
tender  compassion  on  me,  a  miserable  sinner. 


22        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 
CHAPTER  VIII. 

ON   THE   NI^RTUKE    OF   THE   INFANT   JESUS. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Thou  never  fail- 
ing- Fountain  of  life,  I  bless  and  give 
Thee  thanks  for  Thy  receiving  noiu'ishment 
from  the  breasts  of  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary, 
with  whose  sacred  milk  Thou  wast  fed :  Thou, 
who  Thyself  art  the  Feeder  of  all — the  food  and 
sustenance  of  Angels. 

O  the  ineffable  sweetness  of  divine  condescen- 
sion to  man  !  Who  can  worthily  estimate  the 
greatness  of  the  Sacrament,  and  the  favor  to 
man,  in  that  God  Himself  di'aws  the  breasts  of 
flesh,  and  is  nourished  by  a  Vu'gin's  milk? 

O  Lord,  who  didst  stoop  to  the  necessities  of 
human  frailty,  with  what  tenderness  of  love  art 
Thou  united  to  me. 

O  great  and  tremendous  mystery,  that  Thou, 
one  and  the  same  Person,  art  declared  to  be 
God  of  God  the  Father,  and  very  man  of  a 
virgin  mother ;  and  believed  to  be  One  and  the 
same,  the  Son  of  a  woman,  and  the  Only-Begot- 
ten of  the  Father's  glory.  One  and  the  same, 
Thou  art  made  a  partaker  of  man's  nature,  and 
art  worshipped  as  the  Lord  of  Angels. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        23 

Wliereforc  I  bless  Thee  and  praise  Tliiue 
ineffable  sweetness,  that  Thou  didst  in  lowliness 
draw  Thy  Mother's  breast ;  showing  clearly  that 
Thou  didst  derive  Thy  fleshly  nature  from  Thy 
Virgin  Mother. 

O  Thou,  who  feedest  all  things,  and  wast 
content  with  such  moderfite  provision,  feed  my 
sold  with  the  food  of  Thy  Holy  Word;  and 
grant  me  to  serve  Thee  with  thanksgiving,  so 
long  as  1  dwell  in  this  my  poor  frail  body. 


CHAPTER    IX. 

ON   THE   PAINFUL   CIRCUMCISION   OF   THE   INNO- 
CENT JESUS. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Thou  Saviour 
of  the  world,  Thou  Fountain  of  purity, 
Thou  Protector  of  perfect  innocence,  I  bless 
and  give  Thee  thanks  for  the  painful  circum- 
cision of  Thy  flesh  ;  to  which  Thou,  free  from 
all  pollution,  didst  subject  Tln'self,  keeping  in 
eveiy  way  the  tradition  of  the  Law  of  Moses. 

I  praise  Thee  for  the  first  shedding  of  Thine 
innocent  blood,  which  on  this  day  Thou  didst 
pour  forth  for  us. 

O  most  meek  Lamb  of  God,  how  deeply  are 
we  indebted  to  Thy  love,  how  gi-eat  the  virtue 


24        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

of  Thy  patience;  when,  at  so  tender  an  age, 
Thy  sacred  and  spotless  flesh  did  suffer. 

I  have  sinned,  but  Thou  payest  the  penalty 
of  my  trausgi"ession.  I  was  conceived  and 
bom  in  sin,  but  Thou,  that  art  ever  sinless, 
eudui-est  for  me  the  brand  of  vengeance. 

Because  I  could  not  make  to  Thee  satisfaction 
for  mine  offences,  Thou  didst  in  mercy  come  to 
my  succor,  and  apply,  thi'ough  the  Circumcision 
of  Thy  flesh,  a  cleansing  remedy  to  my  soul. 

Neither  still  is  it  marvellous,  for  Thou  wast 
ready  to  be  slain  for  all.  Since  wholly  wast 
Thou  given  for  me,  wholly  also  for  my  benefit 
hast  Thou  been  expended. 

O  good  and  most  gi'acious  Jesus,  who  in 
Thine  innocent  Body  didst  suffer  for  me,  purify 
my  every  member,  and,  according  to  Thy  holy 
Life,  direct  aU  my  doings  and  regulate  my 
whole  nature. 

Whatever  Thou  findest  in  me  that  is  carnal, 
cast  it  utterly  away.  Remove  from  me  all  that 
Thou  seest  unclean  in  me.  Keep  down  with 
Thy  strict  discipline  all  that  is  vain  and  hght 
in  me ;  that,  being  inwardly  cleansed  from  sin 
and  adorned  with  the  beauty  of  holiness,  I  may 
have  a  perpetual  love  of  Thy  holy  Name,  and 
be  found  a  meet  partaker  of  Thy  heavenly 
kingdom. 


Meditations  on  tlio  Life  of  Christ.        "25 


CHAPTER  X. 

ON  THE  GIVING  THE    MOST    SWEET  AND    SAVING 

NAME   OF   .TESUS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord 
Jesu  Chi'i«t,  for  the  new,  sa\'ing,  and 
adorable  Name  that  was  given  to  Thee — that 
Thou  wert  called  Jesns. 

This  Name  was  Ih-st  announced  by  the  Angel 
to  tlie  Virgin  Mary;  afterwards  revealed  to 
St.  Joseph  in  a  di-eam ;  and  on  this  day  made 
Thine  by  Thy  parents. 

O  most  sweet  Name  of  Jesus,  blessed  beyond 
every  Name  in  heaven  above  and  on  earth  be- 
low !  According  to  Thy  Name  Jesns,  so  be 
Thy  praise  to  the  ends  of  the  earth. 

Praised  be  Thy  Name  from  the  I'ising  up 
of  the  sun  to  the  going  down  thereof;  most 
worthy  is  it  to  be  glorified  from  this  time  forth 
for  evermore. 

To  Thee  by  the  Father,  from  everlasting,  was 
this  most  holy  and  blessed  Name  made  Thine, 
and  in  due  season  manifested  unto  men. 

"  For  there  is  none  other  Name  under  heaven 
given  among  men  whereby  we  must  be  saved." 

Just  is  it,  therefore,  that  "at  the  Name  of 
Jesus  every  knee   should  bow,   of  things  in 


26        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

heaven,  and  things  in  earth,  and  things  under 
the  earth " ;  and  every  tongue  should  confess 
Th}'  holy  Xanic,  in  that  Thou  art  Jesus  Christ 
our  Sa\"iour  and  Kedeenier. 

O  most  sweet  Jesus,  how  excellent  is  Thy 
Name  in  all  the  world !  For  Thy  Name  is 
magnified  far  above  the  name  of  Solomon,  yea 
above  all  kings  that  were  before  him,  or  shall 
be  after  him. 

All  kings  of  the  earth,  therefore,  shall  fall 
down  before  Thee ;  aU  nations  and  languages 
shall  serve  Thee ;  for  Thou  art  the  Lord  our 
God,  the  King  and  Saviour  of  all  who  follow 
Thee,  and  love  fhe  Name  of  Christ. 

O  sweet  and  saving  Name  of  Jesus,  which 
heals  all  diseases,  enhghtens  our  minds,  in- 
flames our  heai-ts,  dispels  sadness,  softens 
anger,  yields  peace  and  concord,  nourishes  love 
— yea,  tui-ns  oiu-  veiy  sorrows  into  joj'. 

This  most  lovely  Name  an  Archangel  brought 
dowm  from  heaven  to  earth.  Apostles  preached 
it  throughout  the  world,  and  for  it  the  Martyrs 
suffered. 

This  Name  Confessors  have  proclaimed  with 
no  uncertain  sound ;  holy  virgins  have  tenderly 
loved  it ;  old  and  young  have  sung  its  praises, 
and  thousand  thousands  of  the  faithful  have 
chosen  death,  rather  than  deny  the  sweet  Name 
of  Jesus. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        27 

This  saving  Name  kiui^'s  and  princes  now 
adore ;  l*riests  and  Doctors  declare  it ;  all  the 
faithful  in  Christ,  renouncing  the  world  and 
the  devil,  hold  It  in  special  reverence  and  love  ; 
on  It  they  rest  their  hope  of  Salvation,  for  Jesus 
is  the  Saviour  and  Protector  of  all  who,  as  His, 
with  a  firm  and  loving  faith,  abide  in  Him. 

O  sweet  Jesus,  my  one,  my  only  Saviour ! 
write  Thy  blessed  Name  on  my  heart,  not  in  the 
letter  but  in  spirit,  there  to  renuiin  so  indelibly 
engraven,  that  no  prosperity,  no  advei'sity  shall 
ever  move  me  from  Thy  love. 

Be  Thou  to  me  a  strong  tower  from  the 
face  of  the  enemy,  a  comfortei-  in  tribulation, 
a  counsellor  in  doubt,  a  deliverer  in  distress,  a 
very  present  help  in  trouble,  a  guide  in  be- 
havior, a  ]-eelaimer  from  error,  and  a  faithful 
leader  to  the  coui-ts  of  heaven  tkrough  the 
many  temptations  and  dangers  of  this  life. 
Amen. 

CHAPTER  XL 

ON    THE    JL\XIFESTATION    OF    JESUS,     AND    THE 
DEVOUT   OFFERINGS   OF   THE   HOIA'   KINGS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  Prince  of  the  rulers  of  the 
earth,  for  Thy  glorious  Manifestation  to  the 
three  Kings. 


28        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

For  when  Thou  wast  born  in  Betlilehem  of 
Judaea,  Thou  didst  forthwith  reveal  Thy  Majesty 
to  men  of  a  far-off  land.  Leading  them  by  a 
heavenly  hght  to  Thy  miserable  dwelling-place, 
Thou  didst  manifest  to  them  Thy  state  of  holy 
poverty. 

0  God,  gi'eat  and  wonderful !  Thou  alone 
orderest  aU  things,  and  doest  great  works  in 
heaven  above.  Thou  wast  not  ashamed  to  ap- 
pear before  so  many  kings  and  nobles,  poor 
and  unadorned — an  example  of  lowly  indigence. 

For,  neither  the  place  nor  the  habit  assimied 
for  us  didst  Thou  change  for  aught  more 
splendid ;  in  one  and  the  same  way  before 
shepherds  and  kings  didst  Thou  manifest  Thy- 
self. 

1  praise  Thine  ineffable  compassion  for  the 
first-fniits  of  the  Gentiles,  for  Thy  call  of  the 
Heathen ;  whom  from  the  far-off  East  Thou 
didst,  by  secret  inspiration,  di-aw  to  the  light 
of  the  Gospel. 

There  are  not  found  in  Israel  among  her 
princes  those  who,  with  so  much  glory  and 
faith,  hasten  to  search  out  the  place  of  Thy 
Nati\-ity.  The  faith  of  these  strangers  was 
brighter  far — their  devotion  far  more  fervent. 

I  glorify  Thee  for  the  marvellous  enlighten- 
ment of  the  Gentiles.  So  gloriously  didst  Thou 
sliine  into  the  dark  minds  of  these  men  of  the 


Mrdifafions  on  thr  Life  of  Christ.        20 

East,  that,  with  ;ind()ul)tino:  faith,  they  followed 
over  wide  regions  the  heaven-shown  sign. 

With  the  holy  Magi  I  reverently  adore  Thee ; 
longing  so  to  walk  in  their  footsteps,  that  I 
may  offer  to  Thee,  with  devout  affection,  the 
three  precions  gifts,  which  in  themselves  con- 
tain the  high  mysteries  of  the  faith. 

Falling  down  before  Thee  they  presented  (jold 
in  token  of  Thy  royal  dignity;  frunliincense  m. 
veneration  of  Thy  divine  majesty,  and  myrrh 
to  tell  of  Thy  assmned  mortality. 

"Wlierefore,  O  Lord  most  merciful.  King  of 
Kings,  0  Jesu  Chi'ist,  Thon  Ruler  of  the  uni- 
verse, accept  from  the  hand  of  Thy  unworthy 
servant  the  mystical  offering,  that  I,  in  the 
spirit  of  these  holy  Kings,  this  day  devoutly 
present  unto  Thee. 

I  offer  to  Thee,  now  and  for  ever,  first,  a 
sound  faith,  a  firm  hope,  and  a  pure  love.  I 
believe  Thee  to  be  the  Ruler  of  all  things  in 
heaven  and  on  earth.  I  adore  Thee,  Very  God, 
the  Only-Begotten  of  the  Father.  For  my 
Salvation  I  confess  that  Thou  didst  take  of  the 
Virgin  Mary  a  mortal  body. 

Fm-ther,  accept,  I  pray  Thee,  three  other 
gifts,  containing  \\'ithin  themselves  a  sweet- 
smelling  savor.  Lo,  I  present  ^^nto  Thee  that 
which  I  received  from  Thee ;  I  relinquish,  out 
of  love  for  Thee,  all  my  worldly  goods.     I  ^^^sh 


30        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  CJirist. 

not  in  this  life  to  call  anything  my  own.  My 
desire  is  to  be  content  with  plain  food  and  sim- 
ple clothing.  In  this  lies  the  true  oblation  of 
precious  gold. 

I  also  add  the  gift  of  frankincense,  by  which 
is  signified  the  incense  of  devout  prayer  for  my 
o^vn  sins ;  pleading  with  sighs  and  tears,  thank- 
ing Thee  for  many  mercies,  and  grieving  for 
all  w^ho  are  afflicted  or  distressed.  This  is  the 
bm-ning  of  sweet  frankincense,  so  acceptable 
unto  Thee. 

I  offer  unto  Thee  also  the  spices  of  myrrh,  in 
memory  of  Thy  most  bitter  Passion,  longing,  by 
a  stern  self-denial,  to  go  on  unto  perfection. 

For  as  often  as  I,  through  love  of  Thee,  call 
to  mind  Thy  cruel  sufferings,  I  present  unto 
Thee  acceptable  incense. 

And,  when  I  overcome  my  evil  desires  and 
renounce  mine  own  will,  then  do  I  l)ruise  fra- 
grant myrrh  in  my  heart,  that  from  thence  a 
fitting  sacrifice  may  he  prepared  for  Thee. 

O  how  happy  should  I  be,  could  I  offer  to 
my  Jesus  plenteous  m^Trh,  by  gathering  to- 
gether all  the  lal)ors,  the  sorrows,  and  the  bit- 
terness of  Thj^  Passion ! 

For,  by  such  a  mingling  of  mp'rh  and  frank- 
incense, the  faithful  soul  is  moved  to  ardent 
amendment,  to  deeds  of  penitence,  and  crucify- 
ing of  the  flesh. 


Meditations  ou  the  Life  of  Christ.        31 

O  Jesn  Christ,  I  give  Thee  thanks  for  the 
profound  sanctity  of  this  day,  adorned  as  it 
was  by  Thee  with  three  glorious  miracles.  On 
this  day,  by  the  guidance  of  a  star,  Thou  didst 
lead  the  three  Kings  to  Thy  manger;  to-da}' 
Thou  wast  baptized  of  John  in  Jordan  ;  on  this 
day  Thou  turncdst  water  into  wine  at  the  mar- 
riage feast,  clearly  in  all  proving  Thj'self  both 
God  and  man. 

I,  therefore,  pray  Thee,  0  lowly  and  gracious 
Lord,  that  Thou  wilt  not  suffer  me  to  be  led 
astray  by  Herodian  delusions,  by  the  honors  of 
the  world,  and  the  allurements  of  the  flesh,  but 
so  guide  me  vnth.  the  blessed  Magi  in  the  light 
way  to  the  heaven  of  heavens,  that  I  may  be 
found  meet  to  behold  Thee  in  everlasting  glorj'. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

ON  THE  PURIFICATION  OF  THE  BLESSED  IMARY, 
AND  ON  THE  PRESENTATION  OF  THE  CHILD 
JESUS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord 
Jesu  Christ,  author  of  purity,  for  Thy  lowly 
presentation  in  the  Temple  of  God;  Avhere, 
with  sacrifices  and  gifts.  Thou  wa.st  offered  by 
Thy  parents  as  one  of  the  sons  of  Adam,  and 


32        Mfdifafions  on  Ihc  Life  of  Christ. 

redeemed  a^tUi  five  pieces  of  silver,  as  it  were 
some  slave  set  forth  for  sale. 

I  bless  Thee,  most  holy  Redeemer  of  the 
world,  for  Thy  meek  submission  to  the  divine 
Law.  Free  from  the  debt  of  transgression 
Thou  didst  show  Thyself  to  us  an  example  of 
perfect  obedience ;  in  that  Thou  madest  Thy- 
self in  all  things  subject  to  the  Law. 

I  glorify  Thee  for  the  exceeding  great  humil- 
ity of  Thy  blessed  Mother,  and  for  her  willing 
attention  to  the  precept  of  the  Law.  Ever  a 
holy  Virgm,  nevertheless  she  refused  not  the 
cleansing  rite  of  Purification, 

O  grateful  oblation  !  O  sweet  satisfaction  ! 
for  it  was  voluntary — ^}^ea,  it  was  complete  and 
free  from  all  fault. 

What  shall  I  offer,  what  shall  I  render  unto 
Thee,  O  Lord,  for  all  the  benefits  Thou  hast 
bestowed  on  me  ?  A  poor  sinner,  helpless  and 
contemptible,  what  can  I  give  unto  Thee  ?  I 
can  but  entirely  resign  myself,  body  and  soul, 
into  Thine  hands. 

O  how  needful  for  me  is  purification — the 
cleansing  from  my  sins !  Fitting  satisfaction 
necessary  for  mine  offences,  sinner  as  I  am, 
defiled  with  pollutions  innumerable. 

Therefore,  to  Thee  I  look,  most  benign  Lord 
Jesu  Christ,  and  pray  that  Thou  wouldest 
vouchsafe  to  make  satisfaction  for  me,  and  by 


Meditatians  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        33 

a  perfect  oblation  of  Thyself  wash  away  all  my 
sins ;  so  that,  cleansed  and  purified,  I  may  be 
deemed  worthy  to  enter  the  Temple  of  Thy 
heavenly  habitation,  there  to  praise  Thy  blessed 
Name  for  ever. 

I  oifer  unto  Thee  a  pair  of  turtle-doves — a 
double  compunction  of  soul ;  I  bewail  my  sins 
and  my  negligences,  and  then  long  for  joys 
eternal. 

I  also  gladly  present,  as  an  offering  to  the 
Lord,  tAvo  young  pigeons,  to  preserve  "within 
me  a  twofold  honesty  of  heart;  desiring  to 
render  unto  no  man  e\al  for  evdl;  and,  what 
is  more,  to  overcome  evil  with  good. 

Wliich  do  Thou  most  graciously  vouchsafe 
to  me,  O  kind  Jesus,  who  wast  on  this  day 
presented  in  the  Temple  by  the  lowly  Virgin 
Mother,  and  taken  up  with  joy  into  the  arms 
of  love  by  the  just  and  truly  devout  Simeon. 
Amen. 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

ON  THE   PERSECUTION  OP  JESUS,   AND  THE 
FLIGHT  INTO   EGYPT. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,   O   Lord 
Jesu  Christ,  Thou  exalted  King  of  Kings, 
for  the  persecution  and  tribulation  wTought  on 


34        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Thee  in  Thine  infancy ;  when  Thou  lieddest 
from  the  face  of  most  impious  King  Herod,  and 
wert  forced,  as  an  exile  and  wanderer,  to  go 
forth  from  Thine  own  country,  and  enter  privily 
the  land  of  Egypt;  from  whence,  in  former 
times.  Thou  leddest  forth  the  children  of  Israel 
with  a  mighty  hand. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee  for  that  painful 
joiu'ney  and  long  wandering,  endured  by  Thee 
in  a  strange  land,  where,  for  seven  years,  Thou 
didst  dwell  among  a  barbarous  people,  with 
men  unlike  indeed  to  Thyself. 

0  cmelly  impious,  to  aim  at  the  death  of  the 
Author  of  hfe;  to  tlu^ust  out  from  His  own 
country  the  very  King  of  Heaven  ! 

What  rivers  of  tears  would  have  flowed  had 
one  beheld  a  child  so  lovely  and  so  fait',  with 
the  Virgin  Mother  all  so  dehcate,  fleeing,  'mid 
the  darkness  and  secrecy  of  night,  to  a  region 
utterly  unknown  to  them. 

At  this  time  of  persecution  how  truly  mar- 
vellous the  patience  !  How  should  it  teach  all 
Christ's  faithful  servants  to  look  for  persecu- 
tions many  at  the  hands  of  the  wicked. 

1  praise  and  glorify  Thee,  O  Lord  Jesu,  for 
that  blessed  return  from  Egypt ;  for  Thy  jour- 
ney back  again  to  Thine  own  land;  for  Thy 
social  dwelling  with  Thy  parents  in  the  city  of 
Nazareth;  where  Thou  didst  hold  sweet  con- 


Meditafioiis  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        35 

verse  WTith  friends  and  nt'iulibors,  and  in  pov- 
erty dwell  in  sweet  fellowship  with  Thy  Mother 
and  the  samtly  Joseph. 

Grant  to  me  now,  O  beloved  Jesns,  that  I 
jnay,  if  only  in  some  small  degi-ee,  imitate  this 
Thy  walk  of  patience ;  that  I  murmur  not  when 
injuries  are  done  to  me,  but  rather  humbly  give 
place  to  the  wrath  of  man. 

Should  any  one  mock  me,  or  speak  e\'il  of 
me,  or  in  any  way  assail  me,  give  me  grace  to 
endure  it ;  let  me  not  burn  with  hatred  against 
the  offender ;  rather  let  me  fer\^ently  plead  for 
his  salvation,  and  impute  all  his  sin  to  Satan, 
who  provoked  it. 

Give  me  grace  to  live  at  peace  with  all  my 
brethren  ;  willingly  to  jdeld  to  them,  and  pa- 
tiently to  endm-e  wdth  them  poverty  of  this 
world's  goods  however  severe,  to  the  praise  of 
Thy  Name.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

ON   THE  HOLY  ES^^OCENTS,  SLAEN  BY  HEROD  FOR 
THE  N.\3IE   OF  JESUS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  hope  of  babes,  Thou  glory  of 
the  lowly,  Thou  crown  of  all  the  Saints,  for  the 


36        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

deaths  of  so  many  thousand  innocent  childi-en, 
slain  for  Thy  Name's  sake. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee  for  the  first-fniits 
of  the  Martyrs.  Free  from  actual  sin  they  suf- 
fered. Clean  in  heart  and  pui-e  in  body  Thou 
didst  take  them  from  this  evil  world  to  Thyself ; 
yea,  Thou  gavest  the  crown  of  martyi'dom  to 
babes,  who  knew  not  yet  the  use  of  reason. 

I  adore  the  righteousness  of  Thy  judgments, 
so  wonderfully  seen  in  all  Thy  works ;  for  Thou 
didst  exalt  the  humble  and  innocent  to  eternal 
glory,  but  the  proud  Herod  and  Ms  associates 
Thou  didst  cast  down  to  hell  in  utter  confusion. 

I  earnestly  beseech  Thee  of  Thy  goodness, 
most  innocent  Jesus,  so  to  guide  me,  that  I 
may  in  heart  and  mind  follow  the  innocence 
and  simphcity  of  these  httle  ones.  Having  laid 
aside  all  bitterness  and  pride,  may  I  henceforth, 
in  my  daily  walk  with  my  fellows,  be  found 
more  meek,  more  pure,  more  lowly,  more  pa- 
tient, and  more  cheerful. 

Nor  let  any  carnal  wantonness  defile  me ; 
rather  let  a  perfect  mortification  of  the  flesh 
keep  me  from  all  that  is  hurtful. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        37 
CHAPTER  XV. 

ON  THE   FINDING    JESUS   IN   THE   TE]\IPLE. 

IBLP]SS  and  give  Tliee  thanks,  O  Lord  J.'sn 
Christ,  Thou  Master  of  lowliness  and  pro- 
found Teacher  of  etenial  truth,  for  the  example 
of  Thy  ainaziuG:  luimility,  and  fen-  the  ray  of 
Thy  hidden  wisdom  manifested  to  man  ;  when 
Thou  wentest  up  to  Jerusalem  with  Thy  par- 
ents to  keep  the  Feast ;  offerin*^  for  us  to  God 
the  Father  the  sacrifice  of  praise  and  sacred 
prayer.  Sitting  in  the  midst  of  the  Doctors, 
Thou,  when  only  twelve  years  of  age,  didst 
draw  on  Thee  the  eyes  of  all  beholders,  l^y  Thy 
childlike  attention  and  Thy  discreet  questioning. 
I  praise  and  magnify  Thee  with  deep  devo- 
tion, for  Thy  reverential  obedience,  manifested 
to  Thy  parents ;  when,  after  long  and  painful 
searcliing,  they  found  Thee.  Renouncing  at 
once  Thine  own  will,  Thou,  the  gi'eat  Ruler  of 
the  Universe,  didst  humbly  become  subject  to 
them.  Although  they  understood  not  the  words 
spoken  to  them,  yet  didst  Thou  go  down  with 
them  from  Jerusalem  to  Nazareth,  and  there 
show  Thyself  the  obedient  son  of  a  most  ex- 
cellent mother. 


38        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

O  sweet  Jesus,  Thou  most  lovely  Child,  Thou 
muTor  of  all  holiness  and  virtue,  teach  me  to 
keep  dowu  all  perverseness  of  self-\^dU,  and 
readily  to  heed  the  advice  of  my  elders;  de- 
voutly to  visit  the  House  of  God,  and  there 
attentively  to  hear  the  preaching  of  Thy  Word  ; 
to  reverence  the  Teachers  of  Thy  Church ; 
humbly  to  obey  those  set  over  me  in  the  Lord ; 
and  joj^fully  to  serve  Thee  in  perfect  subjection 
all  the  days  of  my  life. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

ON    THE    HOLY    AND    HIDDEN    LIFE   OF    THE 
LOWLY  JESUS. 

I  BLESS  and  thank  Thee,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Chi'ist,  for  the  spotless  sanctity  of  Thy  Life, 
which,  for  a  long  period.  Thou  leddest  privately 
with  Thy  Parents  in  Nazareth.  From  Thy 
twelfth  to  Thy  thirtieth  year,  in  great  poverty, 
humility,  and  obedience,  didst  Thou  abide  with 
them. 

I  praise  and  magnify  Thee  with  boundless 
love,  for  Thy  lowly  and  hidden  Life  among 
men  and  Thy  fellow  villagers.  Never  manifest- 
ing any  sign  wlii(?h  might  have  led  to  a  recog- 
nition of  Thy  Godhead,  Thou  deignedst  to  be 


Meditations  on  the  Lifr  of  Clirisf.        39 

called  and  to  be  considered  the  son  of  a  cai-pen- 
ter. 

O  the  humility  of  Christ !  How  dost  Thou 
confound  the  pride  of  my  vanity,  and  with 
what  a  briji:ht  example  dost  Thou  admonish  me 
to  shun  all  vain  show,  to  avoid  the  crowds  of 
the  outside  world,  to  choose  a  life  of  obscurity ; 
desiring  to  be  known  of  God  alone,  taking  heed 
above  all  things  to  my  own  salvation. 

Suffer  me  not  to  thrust  myself  rashly  before 
men  for  the  sake  of  edification  ;  may  I  rather, 
with  diligent  endeavor,  study  the  Word  of  Life, 
until  the  voice  from  heaven  shall  call,  "  Bring 
forth  fruit." 

Help  me,  sweet  Jesus,  Thou  good  Master,  to 
examine  with  aU  watchfulness  the  manner  of 
my  hidden  life,  and  inwardly  to  dedicate  myself 
to  Thee.  May  I  ever  love  contempt  of  the 
world  and  a  hidden  retreat,  and  be  very  silent 
as  to  the  things  of  this  life.  May  I  embrace 
eagerly  all  that  concerns  Thee  and  things  di- 
vine ;  and,  within  the  deep  recess  of  my  heart, 
keep  closely  the  book  of  Thy  holy  conversa- 
tion. 


40        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

ON  THE   BAPTISM   OP  JESUS,   AND  OUR  SANCTIFI- 
CATION   IN   WATER. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesn 
Christ,  Thou  fountain  of  goodness,  and 
source  of  all  virtues,  for  Thy  lowly  reception  of 
holy  Baptism,  so  fulfilling  all  righteousness; 
and  for  the  voluntary  submission  of  Thyself 
under  the  hands  of  Th}^  forerunner ;  by  whom 
Thou  didst  deign  to  be  baptized  in  Jordan, 
consecrating  to  our  use  the  waters  of  Baptism. 

In  which  Thou  hast  given  an  example  to  all 
about  to  be  baptized,  both  young  and  old,  that, 
if  they  desire  to  enter  the  mansion  of  Thy 
heavenly  Kingdom,  they  must  humbly  receive 
the  Sacrament  of  Regeneration,  that  bringeth 
salvation. 

In  Thy  baptism  we  indeed  were  washed. 
This  sanctification  was  profitable  to  us,  not  to 
Thee,  Who  haddest  no  spot  of  sin. 

I  praise  and  magnify  Thee,  most  high  and 
adorable  Head,  object  of  holy  awe  even  to 
Angels,  for  humbly  descending  into  the  Jor- 
dan, and  bending  to  receive  its  waters  for  the 
washing  away  of  our  sins. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        41 

I  bless  and  glorify  Tlieo  for  the  reveliitiou  of 
heavenly  mysteiies,  for  the  clear  manifestation 
of  the  presence  of  the  most  glorious  Trinity, 
for  openinij  the  entrance  to  eternal  Life,  for 
the  miraculous  enlightenment  of  Thy  blessed 
Forerunner,  John  the  Baptist,  and  for  his  hmn- 
ble  response  and  ready  ol)edience. 

0  Jesu,  most  exalted  King,  how  didst  Thou 
this  day  abase  Thyself  for  me,  the  vilest  of 
sinners ;  what  gi-eat  gifts  of  divine  gi*aee  didst 
Thou  declare  mito  me.  Mercifidly  look  upon 
me  and  forgive  me  all  my  sins,  which,  in  vari- 
ous ways,  I  have  committed  both  openly  and 
secretly. 

1  pray  to  l)e  baptized  by  Thee  with  the  Holy 
Ghost  and  with  fire,  for  m  many  things  I 
have  offended  Thy  goodness.  "Wash  me  thor- 
oughly from  my  ^vickedness,  and  cleanse  me 
from  my  sin." 

For  no  one  on  earth  is  free  from  defilement, 
not  even  the  babe  a  day  old :  none  other  but 
Thou,  O  Christ.  Thou  alone  art  pin-e,  and  tlie 
only  Purifier :  Thou  alone  art  holy,  and  the 
only  Sanctifier ;  Who,  according  to  the  multi- 
tude of  Thy  mercies,  hast  power  to  forgive  men 
their  sins. 

I  pray  Thee,  O  Lord,  let  my  soul  hve  by  Thy 
favor.  O  remember  not  against  me  my  former 
iniquities,  but  renew  my  youth  like  the  eagle's. 


42        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Forgive  the  past,  make  me  to  walk  circum- 
spectly for  the  time  to  come,  and  pour  into  me 
fresh  grace  ;  that  I  may  attain  the  full  fruition 
of  the  eternal  glory  of  Thy  Godhead. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

ON   THE   FASTING  AND  TEMPTATIONS  OF  THE 
INVINCIBLE  JESUS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  for  Thy  sacred  fast  of  forty  days 
and  forty  nights,  which  Thou  didst  undergo 
alone  in  the  desert,  a  pattern  of  abstinence  for 
Thy  people. 

Where,  as  a  hermit,  Thou  wast  with  the  wild 
beasts,  away  from  the  solace  of  men,  but  with 
Angels  ever  near  unto  Thee ;  setting  forth 
thereby  to  all  who  love  Thee  a  great  example 
of  retirement  from  the  world. 

I  laud  and  honor  Thee,  O  Jesu  Cln-ist,  Thou 
food  of  Angels,  and  refection  of  men,  for  Thy 
many  and  long  watchings,  for  Thy  holy  prayers 
and  devout  meditations,  accomplished  in  the 
vast  wilderness. 

I  praise  and  highly  exalt  Thee  for  ever,  for 
Thy  mighty  conflict  with  the  devil ;  for  the 
many  vexatious  of  the  wicked  tempter ;  for  the 


MedifatiuHS  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        4'.] 

scorn  of  all  his  evil  suggestions;  for  meeting 
his  proposals  by  fitting  answers  taken  from  the 
Word  of  God;  and  for  the  glorious  victory 
over  the  three  great  A-ices,  achieved  by  Thee ; 
to  the  perpetual  confusion  of  Satan,  and  the 
strengthening  of  our  infu-mity. 

With  the  holy  Angels  duly  honoring  Thee,  I 
meekly  on  bended  knees  laud  and  magnify 
Thee ;  seeking  from  Thee,  so  long  as  I  dwell  in 
the  desert  of  this  world,  daily  food,  the  uphold- 
ing power  of  Thy  gi-ace,  comfort  in  tribulation, 
courage  when  tempted,  and  protection  from  the 
wiles  of  the  enemy. 

I  believe  and  confess  that  Thou  art  the 
Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  God  and  Lord  of 
Angels,  Creator  of  mankind  and  Redeemer, 
clad  in  the  infirmity  of  om*  flesh  ;  proved  and 
tried  in  all  things,  that  Thou  mightest  have 
pity  on  us;  and  compassionating  us,  Thou 
mightest  heal  us  of  the  diseases  of  oui-  sins. 

O  holy  Jesu,  Thou  most  valiant  combatant. 
Who  for  me  didst  so  strictly  fast,  so  bravely 
fight  and  conquer ;  give  unto  me  to  fight  man- 
fidly  against  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  dex-il ; 
and,  "VN-ith  a  determined  heart  to  repel  every 
temptation  that  shall  assail  me. 

As  a  comfort  in  my  exile,  send  to  me  Thy 
holy  Angels,  ministers  of  light  and  ])ea('e.  that 
they  may  ofttimes  \'isit  me,  watchfully  guard. 


44        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

powerfully  help,  kindly  solace,  and  abundantly 
bless  me ;  and,  when  this  hf  e  is  ended,  may  they 
safely  conduct  me  Avith  joy  and  g-ladness  to 
Thee,  my  Lord  Jesu  Christ.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

ON   THE   HOLY   PREACHING   AND    SALUTARY   DOC- 
TRINE   OF   JESUS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  good  Shepherd  and  faithful 
Guardian  of  Thy  sheep,  for  Thy  loving  care, 
for  Thy  salvation  of  souls,  and  for  Thy  Ijurning 
desire  to  proclaim  to  the  world  the  glad-tidings 
of  God's  Word. 

For,  on  leaving  the  wilderness.  Thou  camest 
to  preach  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven,  sounding 
the  trumpet  of  salvation  throughout  all  Judaea ; 
calling  upon  all  to  repent,  to  despise  the  world 
and  its  follies,  and  forthwith  to  seek  dihgently 
for  treasure  in  heaven. 

0  sweet  Jesus  !  with  w^hat  diligent  care  didst 
Thou  go  about  the  ^dllages  and  streets,  the 
towns  and  fenced  cities  to  convert  sinners,  to 
heal  the  broken-hearted,  and  to  grant  forgive- 
ness to  the  truly  penitent. 

1  praise  and  magnify  Thee,  from  the  very 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        45 

depths  of  my  heart,  for  Thy  comfortino;  doc- 
trine, and  for  Thy  fervent  preaching  throngh- 
out  all  Galilee  and  Judsea ;  and  for  Thy  glorious 
renoAvni.  proclaimed  far  and  wide  among  the 
Gentile  nations. 

Blessed  be  Thy  sacred  lips  and  most  gracious 
tongue,  with  which  Thou  didst  so  often  express 
the  delight  of  the  heavenly  Life,  and  commend 
to  us  the  counsels  of  eternal  truth ;  announcing 
distinctly  to  the  whole  world,  that  Thou  Thy- 
self art  the  true  and  marvellous  Light. 

Grant  me,  most  loving  Jesus,  Thou  best  of 
INIasters,  that  I  may,  with  a  holy  thirst,  drink 
from  the  streams  of  Thy  saving  teaching.  May 
I  diligently  study,  wisely  understand,  sweetly 
taste,  peacefully  enjoy  the  sacred  words  of  Thy 
mouth,  and  carefully  fasliion  aU  my  discipline 
according  to  their  guidance. 

For  nowhere  do  I  so  readily  and  so  clearly 
find  the  way  of  perfection  as  in  the  bright 
miiTor  of  Thy  Holy  Gospel,  laid  open  to  me 
and  all  men  for  our  study. 

O  Lord,  in  Thee,  the  fountain  of  eternal  wis- 
dom, the  light  of  life,  and  the  fulness  of  all 
sweetness  abound  and  endui'e  for  ever. 

"Incline  therefore  my  heart  to  Thy  testi- 
monies." Open  mine  ear  to  the  words  of  Thy 
mouth.  ''  Turn  away  mine  eyes  lest  they  be- 
hold vanity,  and  quicken  Thou  me  in  Thy  way." 


46        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ 

For,  although  the  words  of  the  Gospel  Story 
appear  simple  and  plain,  yet  are  they  both  pro- 
found and  deep  ;  and  so  full  of  heavenly  mys- 
teries, that  the  whole  world  could  not  contain 
them. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

ON  THE  GLORIOUS  JHRACLES  AND  BENEVO- 
LENCE OF  JESUS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Chi'ist,  Thou  Power  of  God  and  Wisdom 
of  the  Father,  for  Thy  glorious  signs  and 
mighty  mu'acles,  by  which  Thou  didst  most 
nobly  enhghten  the  world,  and  draw  to  Thy  Gos- 
pel the  minds  of  unbelievers ;  so  clearly  show- 
ing Thyself,  by  open  proofs  and  radiant  won- 
ders, to  be  the  Son  of  the  living  God,  and  that 
Thou  camest  upon  earth  to  redeem  lost  man. 

I  praise  and  give  Thee  glory  for  Thy  bound- 
less love  in  manifesting  Thyself  so  generous 
and  so  kind  to  all  people.  The  poor  and  feeble, 
even  the  vilest  sinners,  feared  not  to  draw  near 
unto  Thee.  Thou  didst  permit  them  freely  to 
speak  unto  Thee  and  to  touch  Thee. 

Blessed  be  Thine  eyes,  brighter  than  the  sun, 
which  Thou  didst  mercifully  lift  up  on  the 
multitudes  that  came  to  Thee ;  for  whom  Thou 


Meditations  on  t/ie  Life  of  Clirisf.        47 

didst  so  tenderly  eare,  tliat  Thoii  wonldest  by 
no  means  suffer  them  to  go  to  tlieii-  homes  fast- 
ing; but  didst,  on  two  occasions,  wnth  a  few 
k)aves  and  small  fishes,  by  a  great  miracle,  more 
than  abundantly  satisfy  thousands. 

Blessed  be  Thy  venei-able  hands,  which  Thou 
didst  gladly  stretch  forth  over  sick  and  suffer- 
ing poor ;  and  by  the  touch  of  Thy  sacred  body 
didst  at  once  di'ive  from  them  every  infirmity 
and  disease. 

Blessed  be  Thy  most  beautiful  feet,  Mhich 
often,  soiled  with  dust,  and  weary  in  woi'k  for 
the  salvation  of  sovds,  bore  Thee  liither  and 
thither  up  the  mountain  side,  and  along  the 
valley  path,  as  Thou  sowedst  plenteously  the 
Word  of  Life. 

Thou  didst  also,  in  proof  of  Thy  sacred  doc- 
trine, ofttimes  work  mu-acles,  causing  the  par-* 
alyzed  to  stand  up,  the  blind  to  see,  lepers  to 
be  cleansed,  devils  to  be  cast  out,  and  the  dead, 
tlirough  God,  to  rise  again. 

O  illustrious  Jesus,  Light  of  the  world,  Salva- 
tion of  Thy  people  Israel ;  our  life,  our  strength, 
and  our  glor}^,  look  favorably  on  mine  infirm- 
ity, and  cast  from  my  heart  every  evil  desire. 
Enhghten  the  eyes  of  my  mind,  that  they  may 
see  the  light  that  cometh  from  on  high ;  open 
the  ears  of  my  understanding,  that  I  may  hear, 
O  my  God,  what  Thou  sayest  unto  me. 


48        Meditaiions  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Raise  me  up  from  the  bed  of  sloth,  that  I 
may  go  on  ever  increasing  in  vii'tue.  Make  me 
to  walk  straight  in  the  way  of  Thy  command- 
ments, and  strengthen  my  enfeebled  hands 
unto  diligent  labor. 

Cleanse  me  from  the  leprosy  of  the  flesh, 
heal  me  of  all  burning  wrath,  assuage  in  me 
all  proud  boasting,  deliver  me  from  all  that 
moves  to  en\'y ;  guard  me  against  gluttony, 
drive  far  from  me  the  plague  of  covetousness, 
and  stay  within  me  all  impure  desires. 

For  these  trying  passions  of  a  diseased  soul, 
the  secret  workings  of  devils,  by  Thee,  O  Lord 
Jesu,  are  to  be  healed — ^to  be  cast  out  only  by 
the  word  of  Thy  power. 

For  none  can  heal  these  spii'itual  woimds  and 
work  the  inward  signs  of  holiness,  but  Thou 
alone,  O  Lord  God  Omnipotent.  Thou  speak- 
est,  and  immediately  it  is  done :  Thou  com- 
mandest,  and  sti'aightway  Thy  word  is  accom- 
phslied. 

Say  therefore  to  my  soul,  "  Be  clean,"  and  it 
shall  be  cleansed ;  charge  the  unclean  spirit, 
which  so  often  tempts  and  vexes  me,  "  Go  out 
of  the  man  and  enter  no  more  into  him." 

Say  to  my  soul  in  its  every  tribulation :  ''  I 
am  thy  Salvation.  Fear  not."  Speak  the  word 
only,  and  my  soul  shall  be  healed. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        49 


CHAPTER   XXI. 

ON  THE  EXAMPLE  AND  HOLY  CONVERSATION 
OF  JESUS,  AND  ON  HIS  TRIBLTATION  IN  THE 
WORLD. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Pattern  of  hoHness,  Rule  of  con- 
duct. Flower  of  \'irtue,  SAveet  Savor  of  life,  Per- 
fection of  patience,  for  all  Thy  vii'tues  and 
sweet  manners ;  foi*  Thy  singular  gentleness 
and  perfect  examples,  openly  shown  before  Thy 
disciples  and  all  Israel ;  thereby  gently  inviting 
to  Thy  love  the  hearts  of  the  lowh-. 

But,  fui'ther,  Thou  hast,  by  the  tenderness  of 
Thy  words,  moved  the  hard  heai'ts  of  sinners 
to  repentance.  To  the  learned  also,  in  all  Thy 
works  and  all  Thy  teachings,  Thou  hast  afforded 
an  edif  jing  example. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee  for  all  the  priva- 
tions and  trials  of  the  body  endured  by  Thee 
on  eai-th ;  which  Thou,  being  irnule  flesh,  from 
Thy  very  birth  even  to  Thy  crucifLxion  didst 
gi'aciously  deign  to  suffer  for  us  d_\-ing  worms ; 
ofttimes  enduring  hunger  and  thirst,  cold  and 
heat,  labor  and  weariness,  soitow  and  dis- 
quietude— and  that  with  all  meekness  of  heart. 


50        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

I  praise  aud  give  Thee  all  honor,  for  the 
many  and  grievous  persecutions,  the  malicious 
artifices,  and  undeserved  blasphemies  «ver  being 
plotted  against  Thee  by  Scribes  and  Pharisees ; 
also  for  the  great  ingi-atitude  and  envious  revil- 
ings  exercised  against  Thee.  Sad  retm'n  indeed 
for  the  innumerable  benefits  and  wondrous 
miracles  gloriously  wrought  by  Thee  among 
the  people ! 

I  praise  and  give  to  Thee  all  glory  for  Thy 
work  of  unbounded  love,  exercised  for  the 
conversion  and  salvation  of  all  men ;  for  Thy 
long  and  frequent  nights  spent  in  prayerful 
watching ;  for  Thy  groans  and  tears,  fruits  of 
Thy  compassion ;  for  the  joy  and  congratula- 
tions of  all  the  godly,  converted  to  the  faith ; 
for  their  unbounded  thanMulness  and  inward 
uplifting  of  their  minds ;  for  the  many  won- 
drous works  meetly  "s\T0ught  by  Thee,  to  the 
praise  and  glory  of  Thy  heaventy  Father. 

0  most  adorable  Jesus,  the  world's  brightest 
miiTor !  grant  to  me,  Thj^  poor  servant,  hitherto 
alas !  most  unruly,  to  piously  contemplate  Thy 
most  noble  and  sweet  manner  of  life,  and  to 
fashion  all  my  acts  and  conduct  according  to 
the  pattern  thereof — that  T  may  learn  to  be 
meek  and  lowly  of  heart. 

That  I  may  be  temperate  in  diet,  simple  in 
dress,  modest  in  look,  circumspect  in  my  walk, 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        51 

tranquil  in  mind,  given  to  silence,  cautious  in 
action,  on  my  guard  within  and  without,  watch- 
ful in  prayer,  devout  in  meditation,  diligent  in 
labor,  patient  when  coiTected,  prompt  in  obe- 
dience, docile  for  all  that  is  good ;  not  slothful, 
not  careless,  never  peevish,  not  turbulent,  not  a 
gossip,  no  brawler,  but  holy,  calm,  jo\'ful,  and 
discreet. 


CHAPTER   XXII. 

ON  THE  FEAST  OF   PALJMS,   AND  THE   LOWLY 
RIDES^G  OF  JESUS    INTO   JERUSALEHL 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Chi'ist,  Saviour  of  the  world,  the  gi-acious 
and  merciful  Redeemer  of  mankind,  for  the 
manifestation  of  Thy  "w^ondi'ous  humility,  and 
for  the  magnitude  of  Thine  ineffable  piety; 
which,  as  on  this  day.  Thou  didst  in  lowliness 
show  forth,  when,  with  feet  aU  bare  and  seated 
on  a  mean  ass,  Thou  didst  in  the  midst  of  a 
vast  multitude,  and  \^ath  songs  of  little  chil- 
dren, enter  the  holy  city  Jerusalem. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee,  O  excellent  Jesus, 
Thou  Son  of  Da\'id,  for  the  solemn  reverence 
this  day  offered  Thee  by  the  people  of  Israel ; 
as  wdth  loud  Hosannahs  they  acknowledged  and 
proclaimed  Thee  the  great  King  and  Pi'ophet. 


52        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

I  praise  and  honor  Thee  for  the  wondrous 
love  and  unwearied  tenderness  which  led  Thee, 
meekly  and  of  Thine  own  free  choice,  to  come 
unto  miu-derers,  by  whom  Thou  knewest  Thou 
Thyself  wouldest  soon  be  put  to  death ;  for 
whose  sins  and  wickedness  Thou  didst  pom* 
forth  abundant  tears,  when  foreteUing  to  them 
what  terrible  evils  would  ere  long  follow  their 
momentary  joy. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee  for  Thy  fervent 
zeal  against  evildoers.  Having  entered  the 
Temple,  Thou  didst  at  once  di'ive  from  the 
House  of  Thy  Father  those  who  bought  and 
sold  therein,  making  as  they  did  the  House  of 
Prayer  a  den  of  thieves. 

On  the  one  hand,  how  severe  wast  Thou 
against  the  unjust  and  covetous — sellers  of 
their  own  souls ;  while,  on  the  other,  how  gentle 
and  merciful  towards  the  poor  and  feeble,  lov- 
ingly dispensing  to  many  the  word  of  doctrine 
and  the  help  of  healing. 

O  inexpressible  power  of  Christ !  0  the  all- 
surpassing  goodness  of  the  Son  of  God ! 
"  Who  can  express  the  noble  acts  of  the  Lord, 
or  show  forth  all  His  praise  ? "  Remember  me, 
O  Jesus,  in  Thy  good  pleasure,  and  visit  me 
with  Thy  Salvation. 

Come,  beloved  Jesus,  and  lead  me  into  the 
Holy  City,  Jerusalem;  not  that  which  IdUeth 


Meditations  on  the  ]Jfe  of  Christ.        r)3 

the  prophets,  but  -lerusalem  whicli  is  liuilt  in 
the  heavens,  where  celestial  citizens  dwell  in 
perfect  unity. 

Ride  upon  the  foal  of  an  ass,  by  holding  in 
check  with  the  bridle  of  continence  all  light  and 
wanton  motions  of  my  flesh. 

It  is  good  for  me  to  bear,  my  Lord,  and  to 
be  subject  to  Thy  law ;  never  to  kick  against 
the  precepts  of  obedience,  but  ^Wth  patience 
and  meekness  to  bear  the  burden  laid  upon  me. 

Nor  must  I  ever  cease  from  labor  and  spirit- 
ual progress.  No  other  way  than  this  must  I 
go.  I  miist  advance  in  holy  purpose,  until, 
under  Tliy  aid  and  guidance,  I  come  to  the 
Jerusalem  which  is  above,  where  there  is  peace 
for  evermore. 

Therefore,  to  Thee  with  the  Hebrew  children 
do  I  devoutly  cry,  "  Hosanna  to  the  Son  of 
David,  Salvation  in  the  Highest." 

Hail,  Lord  of  the  Universe !  Hail,  Thou 
Sa\'iour  of  the  House  of  Israel !  Whose  com- 
ing the  Prophits  foretold  from  the  foundation 
of  the  world;  whom  the  Jews,  as  on  this  day, 
gladly  received  vrith  loiTd  songs  of  praise. 

I  adore  Thee,  T  glorifv  Thee,  who,  in  the 
name  of  Thy  Father,  earnest  to  redeem  us  from 
the  hand  of  the  enemy,  and  with  Thy  most 
precious  Blood  to  reconcile  us  to  God  the 
Father. 


54        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

I  beseech  Thee,  also,  O  Lord  Jesu,  to  enter 
the  temple  of  my  heart,  and  to  pm-ge  out  and 
di'ive  far  away  from  me  whatever  Thou  shalt 
see  there  polluted  and  profane. 

Cast  out  from  Thy  Tabernacle  all  that  is  of 
this  world,  all  tempting  regard  for  places  and 
persons.  Overturn  the  money-tables,  lest  the 
love  of  riches  prevail  against  me.  Take  away 
all  cattle  and  doves,  and  the  noise  thereof,  lest 
the  abimdance  of  earthly  tilings  stay  my  desire 
for  thmgs  that  are  heavenly. 

Seize  the  scourge,  made  from  the  smaU  cords 
of  the  fear  of  Thee,  and  Avith  fii-m  zeal  drive 
out  from  me  all  evil  fancies  and  foul  sug- 
gestions ;  Avith  which  the  devil,  that  vilest  of 
traffickers,  is  ever  ready  to  tempt  me,  even  at 
prayer-time  in  the  very  House  of  God ;  lest  my 
soul,  being  sorely  tried  and  enticed  by  vain 
delusions,  be  led  into  comphance,  and  suddenly 
destroyed. 

Help  me,  O  most  valiant  Jesus,  and  suifer  me 
not  to  be  taken  by  the  snares  of  the  devil,  and 
by  my  own  wicked  heart.  Preserve  me  from 
evil  and  strengthen  me  in  all  goodness ;  that, 
having  escaped  the  dangers  of  eternal  damna- 
tion, I  may  enter  with  Thee  into  the  everlasting 
habitations  of  the  heavenly  Jerusalem. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        55 


CHAPTER    XXIII. 

ON  THE  lord's  SUPPER,  IN  WHICH  JESUS  CHRIST 
INSTITUTED  THE  SACRAMENT  OF  HIS  MOST 
PRECIOUS    BODY    AND    BLOOD. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  Bread  of  Life,  and  Fountain 
of  healing'  water,  for  Thy  most  holy  Feast  of 
the  last  Supper  with  Thy  disciples,  which  Thou 
hadst  so  long  and  ardently  desired  to  celebrate. 

Thou,  O  Lord,  the  King  of  heaven  and  earth, 
didst  then  eat  at  the  same  table,  and  out  of 
the  same  dish,  with  those  Thy  poor  disciples ; 
among  whom  was  the  wicked  Judas ;  and  dur- 
ing Supper,  whilst  sweetly  uttering  words  of 
holy  exhortation,  didst  study,  by  gentle  ad- 
monition, to  turn  that  same  Judas  from  his 
base  design. 

I  i)raise  and  glorify  Thee,  for  the  wondrous 
bounty  of  Thy  surpassing  charity ;  when,  after 
eating  the  Paschal  lamb  to  terminate  the  old 
Law,  Thou  didst  first  institute  the  Sacrament 
of  Thy  most  precious  Body  and  Blood,  in  re- 
membrance of  Thy  Passion  and  perpetual  love. 
With  Thy  blessed  hands,  and  with  a  passion  of 
singular  devotion.  Thou  didst  deliver  the  same 


56        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

to  all  Thy  disciples  to  eat  and  drink  thereof ; 
and,  at  the  same  time,  showing  to  them,  and 
the  Priests  their  successors  ordained  by  them, 
the  form  of  Consecration,  Thon  didst  give  them 
full  authority  to  celebrate  this  Holy  Sacrament 
henceforth,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world, 

O  singular  and  admirable  exhibition  of  love  ! 
O  the  exceeding  liberahty  of  divine  goodness ! 
Where  the  Giver  comes  into  the  gift,  and  what 
is  given  is  inwardly  one  with  the  Giver. 

O  worthy  and  never  to  be  forgotten  memo- 
rial, in  which  the  faithful  soul  recollects  its  own 
death  as  dead  in  Christ's  death  ;  and  finds  ever- 
lasting Hfe  in  the  Beloved,  whom  that  soul  re- 
ceives ! 

O  wonder  above  all  wonders,  and  sweetness 
transcending  all  sweetness,  to  have  God  truly 
though  mystically  present,  veiled  under  this 
marvellous  Sacrament ! 

Whom  the  holy  Angels  adore,  as  exalted  far 
above  themselves  in  heaven,  appearing  to  them 
all  in  glorious  Majesty. 

That  I  may  worthily  partake  of  this  Holy 
Sacrament,  grant  unto  me,  O  most  loving  Jesus, 
a  heart  deeply  sorry  for  my  sins,  a  jDure  con- 
science in  confessing  them,  a  mind  Hfted  up  in 
prayer,  a  firm  faith,  a  fervent  hope,  an  ardent 
affection,  a  devotion  stirring  to  tears,  reverence 
with  love,  a  bright  gladness  with  fear ;  also  a 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        .iT 

profound  inclination  telling  of  increased  thanks- 
givdug,  proceeding  from  a  real  lowliness  of 
heart,  to  appease  the  excellency  of  Thy  divine 
Majesty. 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

ON  THE  WASHING  THE  FEET  OF  THE  DISCIPLES, 
AND  THE  HOLY  DISCOURSE  OF  JESUS  AT 
SUPPER. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks.  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  most  exalted  King  of  Saints, 
tor  tliat  very  great  example  of  deep  humility 
and  serv-ile  submission,  shown  and  left  to  us 
tor  our  imitation :  when  Thou,  the  Most  Holy 
God,  didst  condescend  with  Thy  blessed  hands 
and  on  bended  knees  most  tenderly  to  wash, 
wipe,  and  kiss  the  feet  of  the  poor  fishermen. 
Thine  own  hvimble  servants. 

Nay  more,  Thou  didst  not  omit,  with  like 
l()\'ing  condescension,  to  wash  the  feet  of  Thy 
most  perfidious  betrayer;  although  he,  un- 
thankful for  such  vast  benefits,  foul  and  un- 
washed within,  did,  with  sll  obstinacy,  persist 
in  liis  wickedness. 

O  marvellous  and  gi*eat  gentleness  towards  a 
disciple  so  hardened  !  O  the  bending  love  of  a 
gracious  Lord  towards  a  servant  so  base — yea, 
so  utterly  hardened,  that  neither  the  tamiliai- 


58         Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

bearing  during  supper,  nor  the  kindness  of  lowly 
service,  nor  the  sweet  and  pleasant  discourse, 
could  hold  hiin  back  from  his  unholy  design ! 

I  ])i-aise  and  glorify  Thee,  for  the  long  con- 
tinuance of  this  most  sacred  last  Supper;  at 
which  so  many  acts  of  love  were  wrought  by 
Thee.  Verily  no  times,  no  moments  could  ever 
suffice  for  their  worthy  commemoration. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee,  O  Jesus,  Thou  best 
of  Comforters,  Thou  sweetest  Instructor  and 
most  powerful  Upholder,  for  that  last,  long, 
and  heavenly  discourse,  full  of  the  fire  of  love 
and  the  sweetness  of  the  honeycomb;  which, 
after  the  wasliing  of  the  feet  and  the  with- 
drawal of  the  traitor  Judas,  Thou  didst,  with 
voice  most  clear,  deliver  to  Thy  disciples.  Thus 
didst  Thou  study  to  strengthen  and  comfort 
their  sad  hearts,  when  tribulation  was  very  nigh 
at  hand. 

By  many  very  lovely  discourses  Thou  didst 
promise  the  sure  hope  of  the  Resurrection,  the 
upholding  their  faith  by  the  coming  of  the 
Comforter,  and  their  assumption  from  this  exile 
into  Thy  Father's  heavenly  mansions. 

And,  at  last,  when  closing  this  sacred  address, 
Thou  didst  most  lovingly  commend  them 
equally  to  Thy  Father,  in  true  union  of  heart, 
saying:  '' Father,  I  will  that  they  all  may  be 
one,  even  as  We  are  One." 


Meditations  on  the  Lifp  of  Christ.        50 

Then  didst  Thou  with  Thy  disciples  enter  a 
garden,  away  from  the  noisy  worki,  and  so 
fitted  for  secret  prayei" ;  and  didst  tliere  make 
ready  for  the  beginning  of  sorrows  and  Thy 
sacred  Passion,  .saying,  *'  Tarry  ye  here  and 
watch  witli  Me,  while  I  go  yonder  and  pray." 

I  beseech  Thee,  O  most  loving  Jesus,  my 
Lord  and  Master,  that  Thou  w^ouldest  grant  me, 
a  sinner  \-ile  indeed,  unworthy  to  be  called  Thy 
servant,  devoutly  and  deeply  to  meditate  on 
this  so  di%'ine  a  subject ;  and  to  study  closely 
the  lively  examples  of  Thy  all-holy  doings. 

More  especially,  I  pray  Thee,  grant  that  I 
may  heai-tily  bow  dow^n  my  stiff  neck,  and  so 
completely  conquer  all  proud  shame,  that  I  may 
readily  enter  upon  deeds  of  humility  and  lowly 
obedience.  And  may  I  learn  to  do  works  of 
love,  not  only  to  devout  brethren  and  to  my 
friends,  but  also  to  those  who  are  morally  or 
bodily  offensive  to  me. 

Let  me  not  deem  it  hard  to  seek  })ardon  for 
my  shortcomings,  since  Thou,  my  God,  wast  not 
ashamed,  in  the  presence  of  Thy  disciples,  to 
bend  Thy  holy  knees  when  Thou  wast  in  the 
act  of  washing. 

Moved  as  I  am  by  Thy  example,  may  I,  by 
Thy  aid,  do  what  I  hear  and  read  of  Thee.  But 
altogether  imperfect  as  I  am,  and  defiled  by  so 
manv  e\'il   affections,   vast  is  mv  need   of  a 


60        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

thorough  cleansing,  that  my  sins  may  be  washed 
away. 

To  Thee,  therefore,  I  stretch  foi-th  iiiy  hands 
and  humbly  bend  the  knees  of  my  heart,  pray- 
ing that  Thou  wouldest  in  mercy  thoroughly 
wash  not  my  feet  only,  but  my  hands  and  my 
head ;  for  in  many  things  have  I  offended  Thee 
by  thought,  word,  and  deed — yea,  and  by  duties 
many  left  undone. 

Wash  me,  therefore,  0  Jesus,  from  my  every 
defilement;  cleanse  me  from  all  filthiness  of 
the  flesh  and  spirit ;  that,  being  fully  purged,  I 
may  be  meet  to  have  part  with  Thee  in  Thy 
eternal  blessedness ;  which  Thou  hast  promised 
to  all  Thy  beloved,  who  continue  mth  Thee  in 
Thy  temptations. 

Open  Thou  also,  I  pray  Thee,  the  understand- 
ing of  my  heart,  that  I  may  fully  apprehend 
the  sweet  discourse  from  Thy  mouth,  which 
Thou  didst  deliver  at  the  Supper ;  for  they  are 
words  of  burning  love,  of  delightful  consola- 
tion, and  of  wisdom  most  excellent. 

Write  the  new  commandment  in  my  heart, 
tliat  my  soul  may  burn  with  a  twofold  love ; 
uphold  me  in  ray  every  tribulation ;  and,  in 
place  of  worldly  delights,  pour  Thou  into  me 
the  sweet  comforting  of  Thy  Holy  Spirit. 

Grant  me  the  true  peace  of  heart,  which  the 
world  cannot  give.     Send  to  me  "the  Com- 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        61 

forter,  the  Spirit  of  truth,  whom  the  world  seeth 
not,  neither  knoweth." 

Come,  O  Lord  Jesus,  and  vouchsafe  to  make 
Thy  abode  with  me ;  that,  Thou  in  me  and  I  in 
Thee,  we  may  dwell  together  in  one.     Amen. 


PART    11. 


ON    THE    PASSION    OF    CHKLST    UNTIL 

HIS   RESURRECTION,  ACCORDING 

TO  THE  FOUR  EVANGELISTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

ON  THE   SELLING   OF  JESUS   BY  THE   PERFIDIOUS 
TRAITOR    JUDAS. 

I  BLESS  and  ^^ive  Thee  tlianks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Goodness  Supreme  and  Majesty 
Eternal,  Thou  who  wast  unjustly  sold  by  Tliine 
o^\^l  disciple,  for  so  vile  and  mean  a  price  as 
thirty  pieces  of  silver. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee  for  Thy  gentle 
sufferance  of  one  so  treacherous.  No  anger 
didst  Thou  show;  no  word  of  hard  reproof; 
no  exposal  at  once  to  the  brethren  of  his  un- 
holy plot ;  after  so  foul  a  deed  no  suspension 
from  his  office  and  sacred  communion;  al- 
though Thou  foresawest  that  he  was  hastening 
to  betray  Thee. 

O  most  loving  Lord  Jesus,  how  wonderful 
Thy  patience  !  how  gi*eat  my  impatience  ! 

Alas  for  me !  that  I  can  bear  so  little  from 
my  brother,  when  he  has  said  or  done  aught 
against  me.  For  a  small  injury'  how  soon  am 
I  moved  to  anger — how  many  are  my  plans  to 
avenge  or  excuse  myself:  whilst  Thou  didst 


66        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

cabnly  bear  with  Judas,  Thy  disciple,  even  at 
the  very  moment  he  was  about  to  sell  and  be- 
tray Thee. 

Wliere  then  are  my  meekness  and  patience  ? 
Help  me,  0  good  Jesus.  Implant  Thy  gentle- 
ness more  abundantly  in  my  heart,  for,  'mid 
the  many  vexations  of  this  hf  e,  I  cannot  secm'e 
the  blessing  of  quiet,  without  Thy  special  gi'ace 
and  guidance. 


CHAPTER  II. 

ON  THE  SORROW  AND  DREAD  OF  JESUS  BORNE 

FOR  US. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  0  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  Creator  and  Redeemer  of  all 
believers,  for  the  painful  entering  on  Thy  most 
bitter  Passion  ;  for  Thy  great  sadness  of  soul, 
for  Thy  anxiety  and  dread  through  the  weak- 
ness of  the  flesh,  taken  voluntarily  by  Thee  for 
us. 

As  the  hour  of  Thy  betrayal  drew  nigh, 
Thou  didst  begin  to  be  heav^^  and  sore  afraid, 
and  very  sorro^vful.  Nor  wast  Thou  ashamed 
to  confess  the  same  in  the  ears  of  Thy  disciples, 
saying,  "  My  soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful,  even 
unto  death." 

O  the  wondrous  dispensation  of  God  !     Thou 


Meditadoiis  an  the  Life  of  Christ.        07 

Lord  of  all  power,  Who,  a  little  before,  hadst 
strenfjtlieiied  Thy  diseijiles  for  the  stnig-jile, 
dost  now  bear  Thyself  like  unto  one  hel})less, 
as  if  destitute  of  all  strength  and  courage. 

This  Thou  didst  to  benefit  and  comfort  us, 
weak  and  faint-hearted  as  we  are ;  lest  pei-- 
chance  some  one,  sorely  tempted,  should  despair 
of  pardon  or  salvation ;  if  he,  less  cheerfully 
disposed  to  endure  or  undergo  some  things 
contrary  to  the  flesh,  should  be  found  timid 
and  sad.  Yes,  this  Thou  didst  that  he  might 
say,  what  we  read  Thou  didst  say: — "Never- 
theless, not  My  will,  but  Thine  be  done." 

I  beseech  Thee,  O  most  loving  Jesiis,  my  only 
hope  in  every  trial  and  atlfliction,  enable  me, 
with  a  heart  full  of  compassion,  to  examine 
diligently  into  the  sorrowful  beginnings  of  this 
Thy  blessed  Passion :  and  frc»m  thence  gi-ad- 
ually  ascend  to  the  prayei'ful  contemplation  of 
the  more  bitter  pai-ts  thereof ;  that,  in  every 
step  of  Thine  Agony,  I  may  be  able  to  discern 
a  saving  remedy  for  my  soid. 

Grant  me,  for  the  glory  of  Thy  Xanu', 
})atiently  to  suffer  whatever  afflictions  await 
me ;  that  I  VlVaj  never  despair  because  of  my 
many  tribulations,  but  wholly  resign  myself  to 
the  good  pleasiu'C  of  Thy  eternal  pui'pose. 


68        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 


CHAPTER  III. 

ON  THE  THREEFOLD  PRAYER  OF  JESUS  ;  ON  THE 
BLOODY  SW^AT;  ON  THE  ANGELIC  COMFORT- 
ES^G;  AND  ON  RENOUNCEs^G  HIS  OVTN  WUAj. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  0  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  Sustainer  of  Angels,  Thou 
Refuge  of  the  helpless,  for  Thy  soiTowful  plead- 
ings and  for  Thy  lowly  prostration ;  when 
thrice,  with  bended  knees.  Thou  didst,  from  the 
very  depths  of  Thy  soul,  entreat  Thy  heavenly 
Father,  "  If  it  be  possible,  let  this  cup  pass 
from  Me  " ;  yet  ever  adding,  "  Nevertheless,  not 
My  will,  but  Thine  be  done." 

I  praise  and  magnify  Thee  for  Thy  mighty 
struggle  with  the  terrors  of  death,  and  with  the 
rendings  of  Thy  most  bitter  Agony ;  when  burn- 
ing love  so  prevailed,  that  Thou  couldest  cast 
out  all  human  fear. 

I  praise  and  give  Thee  thanks  for  the  large 
effusion  of  Thy  bloody  sweat,  when,  being  in 
an  agony.  Thou  didst  pray  more  fervently ;  and 
from  Thy  Body,  contrary  to  nature,  poured 
forth  great  drops  of  blood. 

I  adore  and  give  Thee  glory  for  Thy  lowly 
acceptance  of  angelic  comforting,  which  Thou, 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        GO 

the  Creator  and  Ruler  of  the  heaveiil}'  host, 
didst  uot  scorn  to  receive  from  an  Angel,  for 
the  strengthening  of  man's  weakness ;  teaching 
us.  Thy  feeble  crcatiu'cs,  not  to  rest  on  transi- 
toiy  comforts,  but  steadily  to  look  heavenward 
for  aid. 

0  sweet  Jesus !  -vvith  what  bm-ning  love  didst 
Thou  love  me,  when,  moved  thereby,  Thou 
couldest  pray  so  fervently,  that,  in  Thy  firm 
resolve  to  suffer.  Thou  didst,  beyond  all  nature, 
sweat  warm  drops  of  blood,  flowing  forth  exen 
to  the  gi'ound. 

1  praise  and  glorify  Thee  with  perpetual 
honor.  Thou  greatest  lover  of  my  soid  and 
singidar  exemplar  of  my  life,  for  the  full  resig- 
nation of  Thyself,  for  utterly  renouncing  Thine 
own  will,  and  all  that  ready  sensitiveness,  with 
which  Thou  didst  naturally  shrink  from  pain 
and  death  ;  and  yet,  when  the  horn*  of  suffering 
was  come,  Thou  didst,  at  once  and  Avithout  a 
mm-mur,  resign  Tliyself  to  the  will  of  Thy 
Father,  saj-ing,  "  Father,  not  My  will,  but  Thine 
be  done." 

In  those  words  Thou  didst  indeed  highly 
glorify  Thy  Heavenly  Father,  amply  and  effect- 
ually benefit  us,  and  beat  down  Satan  under 
Thy  feet ;  showing  most  clearly  to  all  the  faith- 
ful the  beauty  of  Thy  perfection,  the  symbol  of 
our  salvation,  and  the  way  to  the  highest  \ii'tue. 


70        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

O  Jesu,  ever  to  be  remembered  and  adored ! 
grant,  I  earnestly  beseech  Thee,  that  I  may  en- 
joy the  fruit  of  Th}-  thrice-repeated  prayer,  and 
with  a  perfect  heart  imitate  the  example  of  Thy 
self-denying  love. 

Grant  me  also  gi'ace  manfully  to  subdue  the 
stubborn  flesh  to  the  spii-it,  to  cast  aside  all 
carnal  fear,  ofttimes  to  kneel  in  prayer,  and 
watchfully  continue  therein. 

May  I  devoutly  hope  for  Thy  help,  and  con- 
fidently commit  aU  my  doings  to  Thee ;  entu'ely 
renouncing  my  own  will,  and  having  my  mind 
always  prepared  patiently  to  endure  whatever 
Thou  shalt  be  pleased  to  lay  upon  me.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

ON  THE  VOLUNTARY  GOING  FORTH  OF  JESUS  TO 
HIS  PASSION,  AND  HIS  GREAT  MEEKNESS  IN 
THE   HOUR   OF   HIS   BETRAYAL. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  om*  Saviour  and  Deliverer,  for  Thy 
voluntar}^  readiness  to  suffer.  Having  offered 
to  God  the  thrice-repeated  prayer.  Thou,  on  the 
coming  of  Thy  most  cruel  enemies,  with  the 
base  traitor  Judas  and  a  gi-eat  multitude  in  the 
dead  of  night,  with  swords  and  staves,  torches 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        71 

and  lanterns,  as  if  to  take  a  thief,  didst  at  once 
fi-eely  go  forth  to  meet  them,  saying,  "  Whom 
seek  ye  ?  I  am  He.  If,  therefore,  ye  seek  Me, 
let  these  go  theii-  way."  At  this  fii-.^t  word  of 
Thy  power,  all  their  prond  dai-ing  was  stayed, 
and  bronght  to  utter  confusion. 

For  immediately  *'  they  went  backward  and 
fell  to  the  ground."  \Miat  then  would  have 
come  to  pass,  if  at  Thy  bidding  twelve  legions 
of  Angels  had  appeared?  But  Thou,  who 
earnest  to  sulfer,  wouldest  not  so  use  Thy  di- 
vine power ;  but  rather  show  Thy  tender  for- 
bearance. By  a  single  word  didst  Thou  make 
manifest  what  Thou  couldest  do,  by  the  fidl 
exercise  of  Thy  will. 

For  a  season  didst  Thou  permit  the  ungodly 
to  prevail  against  Thee,  and  despitef  ully  entreat 
Thee ;  sllo\^•ing  that  of  Thine  owai  free  will 
Thou  would(\st  suft'er,  that  the  W(jrk  of  our 
redemption  might  be  accompUshed,  and  **the 
Scriptm-es  of  the  Prophets  might  be  fulfilled." 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee,  Thou  most  inno- 
cent Lamb  of  God,  Jesus  Christ,  for  Thine 
ineffable  meekness  and  the  invincible  power  of 
Thy  gentleness;  that  Tliou  wert  not  moved 
with  anger  against  the  basest  of  traitors,  nor 
didst  Thou  indignantly  turn  away  from  liis 
presence.  Nay,  rather,  -SN-ith  Thy  wonted  good- 
ness. Thou  didst  condescend  to  kindly  words, 


72        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

calling  liim  "Friend";  and  didst  lo\ingly  in- 
dulge him — one  most  unworthy — with  the  sweet 
kiss  of  Thy  mouth,  saying,  "  Friend,  wherefore 
art  Thou  come?"  His  rashness  and  impious 
treachery  Thou  didst  gently  reprove  : — "  Judas, 
hetrayest  Thou  the  Son  of  Man  with  a  kiss  ? " 

Alas !  how  moi-e  than  sad !  He,  who  had 
shared  companionship  with  the  Apostles,  now 
stands  forth  the  leader  of  a  band  of  miscreants. 
Unawed  by  Divine  justice,  unsoftened  by  lov- 
ing-kindness, he  held  not  back  his  hand  from 
the  direst  of  deeds,  but  gave  the  sign,  sa\dng, 
"Whomsoever  I  shall  kiss,  that  same  is  He; 
hold  Him  fast." 

O  thou  wicked  disciple  of  the  most  loving 
Master !  O  base  servant  of  the  most  faithful 
Lord !  Most  gentle  Jesus,  how  wonderful  is 
Thy  goodness,  how  excellent  Thy  patience ! 
Amidst  such  persecution  and  shamefid  treach- 
ery Thou  didst  not  forget  Thy  sweet  friendship 
of  the  past;  but,  in  retm-n  for  injury  most 
gross,  Thou  didst  gi'aciously  exercise  Thy  power 
of  healing. 

For,  with  a  touch  of  Thy  sacred  hand.  Thou 
didst  restoi-e  the  ear  of  the  High  Priest's  ser- 
vant, which  Thy  disciple  had  cut  off ;  and  didst 
withhold  Peter,  Thy  defender,  from  resisting 
Thy  assailants,  saying,  "Put  up  again  thy 
sword    into   his    place.     The    cup   which   My 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        73 

Father  hatli  given  Me,  shall  I  not  di-ink  it  ? " 
For  thus  it  must  be. 

And  here,  O  my  God,  I  beseech  Thee,  give 
unto  me,  a  frail  reed,  more  abundant  patience  in 
my  hours  of  trial.  When  mine  enemies  rudely 
insult  me,  or  when  false  charges,  of  which  I 
know  m}-self  innocent,  are  brought  against  me, 
let  not  sudden  anger  overcome  me,  nor  a  spii'it 
of  revenge  m*ge  me  to  return  evil  for  evil. 

Grant  that  I  may  not  fear  mine  accuser,  but 
receive  with  gentleness  liis  reproaches.  May  I 
regard  as  a  friend  the  man  who  harshlj'-  re\ales 
and  oppresses  me.  Let  no  indignation  arise  at 
anj'  cruelty  shown  me,  nor  the  remembrance  of 
a  wrong  done  me  rankle  in  my  breast. 

But,  may  Thy  most  loving  endurance  of  evils 
strengthen  me  to  suifer  mth  cheerfulness ;  and 
willingly  to  bear  still  greater  trials,  for  the  love 
of  Thee. 


CHAPTER  V. 


ON  THE  APPREHENSION,  THE  BINDING,  AND  THE 
LEADING  AWAY  OF  JESUS  TO  ANNAS  THE 
HIGH   PRIEST, 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  hope  of  the  Saints  and  their 
tower  of  strength  in  the  day  of  tribulation,  for 


7-1        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

the  \'ioleut  seizm-e  of  Thee  by  hateful  enemies ; 
for  the  audacity  of  Thy  captors  iu  laying  un- 
holy hands  on  Thee ;  for  their  fierce  and  angry 
looks,  and  the  threatening  shouts  t)f  those  ar- 
rayed against  Thee ;  for  Thy  rough  and  cruel 
binding  and  Thy  close  and  savage  detention ; 
for  the  hasty  and  wild  hui-r^ing  of  Thee  on- 
ward; and  that  foul  treatment,  when,  Avitli 
insidting  blows  and  wild  clamor,  Thou  wast 
dragged  to  Thy  death  by  a  \-ile  and  vidgar 
rabble ;  whilst  Thy  dearest  disciples  fled  in  dis- 
may, and  with  heavy  sorrow  and  sadness  gazed 
on  Thee  from  afar. 

0  Lord,  Thou  King  of  Kings  and  Ruler  of 
all  creatures,  who  alone  among  mortals  art 
free ;  wdierefore  didst  Thou  suffer  Thyself  to 
be  thus  \aolently  seized  by  wicked  hands,  and 
basely  carried  away  by  men  whom  Thou  didst 
create,  and  whose  well-being  had  ever  been  Thy 
care? 

Alas,  how  grievous  was  the  sin  against  Thee  ! 
How  madly  insidting  to  Thine  Almighty  Power, 
to  bind  the  very  Dehverer  of  souls  with  the 
cords  of  a  malefactor,  to  lead  away  captive  the 
sinless  One,  as  if  the  vilest  robber. 

But  Thou,  most  excellent  pattern  of  all  vir- 
tues, most  gracious  Jesus,  wast  willing  to  suffer 
thus  patiently  for  us,  to  be  our  perfect  example 
of  meekness,  that  the  clear  saying  of  Esaias  the 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        75 

Propliet  nii^'lit  be  fiillilled : — ''He  is  brought 
as  a  Lamb  to  the  slaughter,  aud  as  a  sheep  be- 
fore her  shearers  is  dunib,  so  He  openeth  not 
His  mouth.''  He  was  offered  up  because  it  so 
pleased  Him. 

Dwell  now  with  compassion,  O  my  soul,  upon 
the  sorrow  and  captivity  of  thy  loving  Lord 
God ;  Who,  of  His  o^vn  free  will,  endured  all 
these  things  for  thy  sins.  Deeply  lament  and 
let  thine  eyes  pour  forth  tears  plenteously,  in 
that  the  Only-Begotten  Son  of  God  was  for 
thee  so  unworthily  treated. 

Behold  what  these  shameless  wretches,  the 
impious  Jews,  did.  Lo  !  they  held  Jesus  cap- 
tive, and  led  Him  bound  to  Annas  and  to 
Caiaphas,  the  High  Priest.  Yet,  when  He  is 
taken,  He  resists  not ;  when  He  is  boimd,  no 
mm-nim"  is  heard;  when  He  is  led  forth,  no 
resistance  is  offered ;  when  He  is  hurried  away. 
He  utters  no  reproach.  He  goes  on  in  meek- 
ness, silent  as  a  lamb ;  as  innocent  He  follows, 
and  humbly  suffers. 

And  now,  I  beseech  Thee,  O  my  God,  that 
the  bitterness  of  this  Thy  sad  captivity  may 
of  ttimes  enter  into  the  iamost  thoughts  of  my 
lieart. 

Everj^  morning  may  it  move  me  to  the  fervor 
of  holy  prayer,  driving  away  aU  slothfulness, 
making  me  zealously  and  watchfully  persevere 


76        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

in  Thy  praise.  Thus,  by  earnest  service,  day 
by  day  may  I  show  forth  some  retiu'n  for  Thy 
love ;  for  wast  not  Thou  born  for  me  in  the 
night  season,  for  me  in  the  night  season  wast 
Thou  not  betrayed,  captured,  and  bound  with 
cords  ? 

Therefore,  in  tlie  night  season  will  I  remem- 
ber Thy  Name,  0  Lord,  pondering  deeply  how 
bitterly  Thou  hast  suffered  for  me,  the  vilest  of 
sinners.  Let  Thy  hard  bonds  secure  me  true 
liberty,  restrain  me  from  profitless  wandering, 
and,  by  a  fii-m  discipline,  keep  me  true  to  Thy 
ser\dce. 

Let  it  be  no  heavy  task  for  me  to  break  and 
cast  from  me  all  self-wOl,  but  readily  to  walk 
the  path  of  obedience,  guided  thereon  by  those 
set  over  me  in  the  Lord.  May  I  not  fear  being 
led  whither  I  would  not,  provided  the  course 
directed  be  acceptable  to  Thee. 

Let  rebellion  and  strife,  and  boldness  and 
clamor  be  far  from  me ;  rather  may  I  be  God- 
fearing, obedient,  ever  ready  and  glad  to  keep 
Thy  Commandments ;  and  may  I  never  cease 
devoutly  to  observe  all  the  rites  and  ceremonies 
of  Thy  Holy  Chm*ch.  Bow  down  my  neck  to 
settled  ordinances,  and  bind  my  hands  to  holy 
labors. 

May  I  ever  deem  it  unworthy  of  me  to  go 
mine  own  way,  and  waste  my  time  in  indolence. 


Mfdifdfioiis  oil   fill'   Jjifc  of  Christ.         77 

May  I  ever  earnestly  desire  to  live  under  strict 
rule,  to  keep  down  my  own  bad  passions — so 
higlily  desirable  to  my  hard  and  untamed  self ; 
and  may  I  in  some  de.t!:ree,  however  small,  by 
inward  conformity  exhibit  sometliing  of  the 
spirit  of  Thy  captm-e  and  binding.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

ON  THE  LEAVING  .TESUS  IN  THE  HANDS  OF  HIS 
ENEMIES,  AND  ON  THE  FLIGHT  OF  THE  DIS- 
CIPLES. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  good  Shepherd  and  benign 
Master,  for  Thine  utter  desertion  and  abandon- 
ment in  the  hour  of  Thy  dh-ef  ill  necessity ; 
when,  forsaken  by  all  Thy  disciples  and  friends. 
Thou  wast  left  alone  in  the  hands  of  Thy  most 
cruel  enemies. 

For  Thy  brethren  and  Thy  most  familiar 
friends,  who  had  vowed  to  lay  down  their  lives 
— to  die  for  Thee  ;  alas  !  in  the  testing  hour  of 
need,  they  all  forsook  Thee  and  fled. 

I  praise  and  honor  Thee  for  that  painful 
compassion  of  Thy  heart,  when  grief  so  hea\aly 
sat  on  Thee,  beholding,  as  Thou  didst,  the 
offence  and  flight  of  Thy  fear-stricken  disciples. 
When  the  Shepherd  was  in  the  midst  of  wolves, 


78        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Thine  own,  the  sheep  of  the  flock,  as  thou  hadst 
foretold,  were  scattered  to  then-  own  homes. 

O  what  gi'eat  sadness,  what  grievous  pangs 
were  there  in  the  hearts  of  Thy  disciples,  when 
they  beheld  then-  Lord  and  Master — to  follow 
whom  they  had  left  all — torn  from  them  so 
violently  and  dragged  to  death  ! 

But  Thou,  Lord,  who  knowest  all  things,  and 
permittest  nothing  to  be  done  save  for  a  wise 
end,  didst  in  Thme  Elect  allow  tliis  so  great  a 
weakness,  that  through  it,  in  time,  greater  good 
should  come. 

In  short,  from  this  fall  it  was  they  learnt 
their  own  frailty,  and  so  became  more  gentle  to 
other  weak  brethren;  and,  ever  after,  moved 
by  greater  caution  and  fervor  of  spirit,  they 
bore  themselves  lowly  and  reverently. 

O  vast  the  blessing  to  me  that  I  veiy  dili- 
gently stud}^  this  portion  of  God's  Word,  and 
presume  nothing  great  of  myself ! 

For,  although  at  times,  when  praying,  new 
fervor  is  present  with  me,  still  I  cannot  tell 
how  long  it  will  endure,  nor  what  may  l^efall 
me  when  temptation  sets  in. 

For  if  the  pillars  of  heaven,  the  Apostles  of 
Christ,  were  thus  shaken  in  the  hour  of  trial, 
what  then  is  to  be  expected  of  a  poor  frail 
worthless  creature,  when  but  a  shght  temptation 
shall  come  upon  him  ? 


Medifafions  on   f/ip  Life  of  Christ.         79 

And  yet,  O  Lord,  liow  severely  do  some  eeu- 
sure  the  holy  Apostles,  that  they  so  basely  de- 
serted Thee ;  and,  broken  down  by  fear,  sought 
to  escape.  But  such  critics  little  perceive  how 
readily  they  themselves  are  daily  turned  from 
the  tnith,  as  love  or  hatred  may  act  on  them. 

I  beseech  Thee,  therefore,  O  dearest  Lord, 
keep  me  from  that  madness  of  heart,  which 
would  lead  me  to  turn  from  the  holy  pui*pose 
to  which  I  have  put  my  hand  ;  in  life  or  in 
death  may  I  follow  Thee  whithersoever  Thou 
goest. 

Restrain  me,  that  I  wander  not  far  from  Thee 
in  the  hour  of  adversity ;  let  me  not  consent 
unto  sin,  following  my  own  evil  desires.  May 
I  rather,  for  the  h^ve  of  Thee  and  with  a  hearty 
yearning  to  do  Thy  will,  manfully  endure  all 
labor  and  difficulty;  lest,  through  my  own 
slothfulness,  I  lose  Thee,  the  Supreme  Good. 

Let  "  not  the  foot  of  pride  come  against 
me,"  leading  me  to  boast  of  any  good  work 
done  by  me ;  nor  let  me  speak  arrogantly,  as 
did  Peter  of  old,  prefemng  myself  to  any 
other,  or  claiming  equahty  with  others.  May 
I  always  act  \nth  Thy  fear,  humbly  considering 
how  frail  I  am  by  nature. 

The  fall  of  St.  Peter  and  th(^  flight  oi  the 
Apostles,  may  they  ho  to  me  a  warning  against 
sin,  never  a  stimibling  block  in  my  waj*. 


80        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

May  theii-  retm-n  to  repentance  give  me  a 
siu'e  hope  of  finding  mercy  after  a  fall;  for, 
who  is  there  so  holy  that  he  does  not  at  times 
run  into  some  kind  of  sin  f 

And  when  it  happens,  that  I  am  forsaken  by 
friends  and  acquaintances,  or  despised,  as  an 
ahen  and  unpi'ofitable,  by  those  ver}-  dear  to 
me ;  then,  as  a  special  remedy,  grant  me  to 
remember  Thy  most  grievous  desertion  and 
rejection ;  and  readily  to  give  up  aU  hmnan 
consolation,  if  so  be  I  may,  even  in  a  small 
degree,  be  worthily  fashioned  after  Thy  tribula- 
tions. 

O  most  merciful  Jesus  !  deal  gently  with  me, 
in  that  I  have  so  often  sinned  against  Thee,  so 
readily  turned  aside  to  the  vanities  of  life  ;  that 
I  have  not  diligently  set  my  heart  on  that  which 
I  so  fully  purposed. 

Alas !  how  often  do  I  look  back,  and  see  in 
what  trivial  things  my  time  is  spent ;  and  oh, 
the  anguish — Thy  Passion  so  sadly  forgotten  ! 

Thou  hast  gone  before  me  along  the  narrow 
way,  and  I  pass  through  with  tearless  eyes,  as 
if  Thy  sorrows  in  no  way  concerned  me.  Be 
mindful  of  my  poor  dull  heart,  and  pour  into 
me  a  loving  recollection  of  Thy  most  bitter 
Passion. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        81 


CHAPTER  VII. 

ON  THE  BRINGrNG  JESUS  BEFORE  ANNAS,  AND  ON 
THE   SMITING    UIM  ON    THE    RIGHT   CHEEK. 

I  BLESS  and  thank  Thee,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Clu'ist,  Thou  Guide  of  oui-  life  and  Author 
of  our  salvation,  for  Thy  fii'st  aiTaignment  be- 
fore Annas  the  High  Priest;  where,  being 
questioned  concerning  many  things,  Thou  wert 
rouglily  smitten  on  the  cheek  for  Thy  meek  and 
truthful  answer. 

I  praise  and  exalt  Thee,  O  Christ,  Thou  glo- 
rious King,  for  that  dishonor,  and  for  the  out- 
rageous assault  made  on  Thee  by  the  hand  of 
an  audacious  servant ;  when,  to  the  answer  of 
Thy  mouth,  he  returned  Thee  a  heavy  blow  on 
Thy  face,  sajiug: — ' Answerest  Thou  the  High 
Priest  so  f " 

To  whom  Thou  for  Thy  part,  O  most  gracious 
Jesu,  calm  in  mind  and  speech,  didst  not  omit 
to  give  a  gentle  answer,  thus  saying: — ^'If  I 
have  spoken  evil,  bear  witness  of  the  evil ;  but 
if  well,  why  smitest  Thou  Me  ?  " 

O  most  impious  and  vile  slave,  who  daredst 
with  guilty  hands  to  strike  the  lovely  face  of 
Thy  Creator !     O  adorable  Jesus !  how  did  the 


82        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

ineffable  virtue  of  Thy  meekness  display  itself, 
that  Thou  didst  not  at  once  indignantly  resent 
so  insulting  a  blow ;  but  rather  with  calm 
reasoning-  didst  correct  the  spii'it  of  the  striker  f 

Consider  now,  thou  faithful  servant  of  Clu-ist, 
and  try  thyself.  Canst  thou,  for  the  love  of 
Jesus,  bear  a  blow  on  thy  cheek  1  Behold,  if 
thou  canst  not  bear  a  harsh  word  without 
anger,  how  couldest  thou  endui'e  a  blow  ? 

Thou  grievest  over  the  unjust  violence  to  thy 
Lord,  but  more  grievous  far  is  it,  that  thou 
canst  not,  for  the  honor  of  C-hrist,  suffer  the 
smallest  injury. 

Thou  proposest  what  is  noble — thy  thoughts 
are  for  what  is  excellent ;  yet  art  thou  troubled 
at  the  first  utterance  of  the  reviler ;  yea,  thou 
findest  thyself  weaker  than  thou  didst  suppose. 

Flee  then  to  Jesus,  and  only  the  more  earn- 
estly plead  with  Him  for  the  wtue  of  patience. 

O  good  Jesus,  the  strength  and  support  of 
the  troubled  soul,  teach  me  to  bear  with  a  quiet 
mind  all  reproaches,  and  re\nling  taunts.  Let 
me  never  resist  indignantly  complaints  unjustly 
brought  against  me,  but  vanquish  them  by  a 
gentle  silence.  If  compelled  to  speak,  may  I 
ever  answer  my  adversaries  with  words  that 
soothe  and  win. 

In  the  presence  of  all  my  opponents  put  into 
my  mouth  a  just  and  godly  conversation  ;  and, 


MediidtUmH  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        83 

while  the  hand  of  the  wicked  rageth  against 
me,  give  me,  O  most  benign  -lesus,  as  an  in- 
vincible shield,  a  fii'nmess  of  purpose  lowly  and 
calm. 

CHAPTER   VIII. 

ON  THE  THREE  DENIALS  OF  CHRIST  BY  PETER, 
AND  HIS  BITTER  ^VEEPING,  .WHEN  JESUS  LOOKED 
UPON   HBl. 

I  BLESS  and  thank  Thee,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Foreseer  of  all  things  to  come,  that 
Thou,  by  way  of  warning,  didst  foretell  his  faU 
to  Thy  most  zealous  disciple,  Peter. 

I  glorify  Thee  for  the  sad  dishonor  that  fell 
on  Thee,  through  the  denial  of  Thee  thrice  by 
Thy  Apostle  Peter.  Dishonored  indeed  wast 
Thou,  when  he,  charged  by  one  of  the  weaker 
sex,  denied  all  knowledge  of  Thee,  sa3dng : — "  I 
know  not  the  Man." 

I  praise  and  for  ever  magnify  Thy  Name  for 
the  gi-acious  look  Thou  didst  mercifuUy  east 
on  the  blessed  Peter ;  so  that  he,  immediately 
on  the  second  crowing  of  the  cock,  might  per- 
ceive his  guilt,  and  hasten  from  the  midst  of 
e\'iIdoers.  He  went  apart  that  he  might,  with 
deep  contrition  of  heart,  pour  forth  tears  of 
bitterness  for  the  grievous  sin  of  having  denied 
Thee. 


84        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

He  had,  however,  by  no  means,  like  the  most 
faithless  Judas,  fallen  irreparably  into  the  pit 
of  despair.  Thy  unspeakable  mercy  yet  con- 
tinued. Tnisting  in  the  plenteousness  of  Thy 
pity  and  in  the  tender  love  so  often  experienced 
by  him,  he  hastened,  with  bitter  lamentations, 
to  the  sa\dng  remedy  of  penitence.  And  so  he 
found  the  gate  of  infinite  mercy  open  to  him. 

O  the  inestimable  goodness  of  the  Sa\'iour ! 
O  the  open  inexliaustible  fountain  of  divine 
compassion  and  overflowing  gTace  !  whence  the 
sinner  is  wont  to  draw  the  fullest  hope  of 
pardon — the  just,  true,  and  abundant  gifts  of 
grace. 

"Would  that  I  possessed  a  fountain  of  tears, 
that,  mth  blessed  Peter,  I  might  w^orthily 
deplore  my  sins ;  and  so,  through  the  merits  of 
my  Sa\'iom',  be  meet  to  receive  pardon  thereof, 
and  the  favor  that  once  was  mine. 

Peter  fell  when,  through  the  fear  of  death, 
he  thrice  denied  the  truth ;  but  by  me  eternal 
truth  is  daily  oft  offended,  for,  with  every  light 
temptation,  I  swerve  from  the  path  of  virtue. 

When  Peter  fell  suddenly,  he  rose  again.  I 
fall  more  quickly — more  slowly  do  I  rise. 
Earely  do  I  lament.  Ill  do  I  watch  myself,  and 
by  me,  alas  !  dangers  are  too  lightly  regarded. 

Peter  bitterly  bewailed  the  occasion  of  his 
sin.     Moved  by  liis  fall  he  fled,  and  sought 


Meditafious  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        85 

seclusion  for  his  tears ;  bedewing  with  peniten- 
tial prayers  spots  contracted  through  incautious 
words. 

0  blessed  tears !  wliich  by  God's  mercy  so 
soon  blot  out  past  sin.  By  them  also  favor 
departed  is  restored. 

Remember  me,  O  Lord  Jesus,  and  have  com- 
passion on  me,  a  frail  sinner,  surrounded  as  I 
am  by  so  many  e\dl  affections.  Let  me  not 
sink  under  the  burden  of  my  sins,  nor  be 
weighed  down  by  remorse  after  committing  so 
much  CAdl. 

Help,  therefore,  O  kind  Shepherd,  Thy  poor 
en'ing  sheep ;  di'aw  forth  the  lapsed  soul  from  all 
uneleanness ;  comfort  the  afflicted  ;  strengthen 
the  faint-hearted ;  defend  us  from  the  adversaiy ; 
preserve  us  from  the  snares  that  encompass  us ; 
and  bring  us,  for  whom  Thou  wast  slain,  to  the 
kingdom  of  heavenly  feheity ;  of  which  Thou 
art  the  Doorkeeper  and  Prince. 

O  good  and  most  compassionate  Jesus  !  with 
deep  yearning  of  soul  I  beseech  Thee  to  look  on 
me  with  Thy  most  holy  eyes,  as  Thou  didst  on 
Peter,  when  he  had  denied  Thee.  Quickly  i)our 
into  me  the  grace  of  holy  contrition,  that  I 
may  be  cleansed  from  all  that  I  have  done 
wilfully  or  negligently  against  Thee. 

Hear  the  gToanings  of  my  heart ;  heal  the 
bruises  of  my  wounded  conscience ;  restore  tti 


86        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

me  the  light  of  fresh  grace ;  nor  suffer  the  soul 
of  a  penitent  to  perish,  seeing  that,  for  its  re- 
demption, Thou  didst  endure  so  many  sorrows, 
so  many  wrongs,  and  at  last  the  bitter  agony 
of  the  Cross. 


CHAPTER    IX. 

ON  THE  LEADING  AWAY  OF  JESUS  TO  CAIAPHAS, 
THE  HIGH  PRIEST,  AND  HIS  FALSE  ACCUSA- 
TION. 

I  BLESS  and  thank  Thee,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  Priest  of  all  Priests,  and 
High  Priest  forever,  for  being  so  contempt- 
uously led  away  from  the  house  of  Annas  to 
Caiaphas,  the  High  Priest ;  where  the  Scribes 
and  Elders  had  assembled  to  devise  cruel  coun- 
sel against  Thee. 

Alas !  how  cursed  a  joy  was  theirs,  when 
they  beheld  Thee  bound  and  dragged  before 
them.  Long  had  they  desired  to  take  Tliee, 
but  in  vain,  for  "  Thine  hour  was  not  yet 
come." 

But  "this  is  their  horn-  and  the  power  of 
darkness,"  allowed  them  of  God,  that  they  may 
complete  their  long-conceived  hatred,  and  now 
carry  out  openly  their  inveterate  mahce.  AU 
this  was  for  Thy  glory  and  the  salvation  of  the 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        87 

faithful.  Eciually  was  it  for  tho  eternal  puuish- 
nient  of  unbelievers. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee,  Thou  adoral)le 
Jesus,  for  Thy  lowly  bearing  before  the  High 
Priest,  with  all  the  Elders  of  the  people  rudely 
gazing  upon  Thy  lovely  face.  There  Thou 
wast  cruelly  accused  by  witnesses  most  false, 
and  by  the  High  Priest  ofttimes  questioned ; 
even  strictly  adjured  to  answer  truthfully ;  yea, 
the  very  ehai-ge  of  blasphemy  brought  against 
Thee :  until  at  last,  condemned  by  all,  with  loTid 
cries  they  pronounced  Thee  w'orthy  of  death. 

I  praise  and  honor  Thee,  O  most  noble  Jesus, 
for  every  injury  done  Thee,  every  he  uttered 
against  Thee ;  for  Thy  gentle  demeanor  and 
long-kept  silence,  while  so  many  basely  assailed 
Thee.  No  sign  of  complaint  or  murmm-ing 
didst  Thou  show,  but  stoodest  an  example  of 
perfect  meekness. 

And  now,  devoted  lover  of  Christ,  mark  with 
all  seriousness  what  excellence  of  lowly  patience 
shone  forth  in  Jesus. 

Behold  what  unworthy  rebukes  Jesus  is  com- 
pelled to  bear,  He  whom  the  heavenly  host 
adore.  For  a  tiiithful  answer  He  is  charged 
with  blasphemy. 

Verily,  all,  who  so  speak  concerning  Christ, 
are  themselves  blasphemers  and  guilty  of  most 
heinous  sin. 


88        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Yes,  tnily,  in  the  madness  of  their  hearts 
they  work  against  Him  all  manner  of  wicked- 
ness, for  they  believe  not  Jesus  to  be  the  Son 
of  God. 

He,  however,  endm-es  and  is  silent,  and  thus, 
while  trodden  under  foot  by  the  ungodly,  the 
more  does  He  conquer,  the  gi'eater  is  His  tri- 
umph. 

Wherefore,  O  faithful  soul,  cease  to  complain 
of  reproaches  cast  on  thee,  and  yearn  not  to 
return  unto  thine  adversaries  evil  for  evil. 

Bear  and  humble  thyseK  under  the  weight 
of  earthly  tribulation ;  yearn  not  to  prosper  in 
this  life,  seeing  that  Christ  gladly  endured  the 
world's  contempt. 

Blush,  thou  proud  man,  for  thine  honors  and 
chief  seats ;  for  thy  pomp  and  fine  clothing ; 
knowing,  as  thou  dost,  that  Christ  was  poor 
indeed.  Disgraceful  is  it  to  strive  after  man's 
favor  and  desire  earthly  pleasm-es,  when  Christ 
preferred  the  very  opposite. 

O  most  adorable  Jesus !  full  of  grace  and 
ever  gentle,  grant  me,  a  miserable  sinner,  the 
longed-for  blessing  of  Thy  propitiation ;  and 
teach  me,  by  Thy  lively  example,  not  to  dread 
the  reproaches  and  terrors  of  the  wicked,  nor 
to  be  distiu'bed  by  false  accusations ;  but  even 
readily  to  seek  pardon  for  their  otfences  against 
me,  bowing  myself  with  all  lowliness  before 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        89 

Thee  and  my  superiors ;  so  that  I  may  be  meet 
to  receive  gifts  of  grace  more  abundantly,  and 
to  retui'n  Thee  more  devout  thanks  for  bless- 
ings received. 

CHAPTER  X. 

HOW  JESUS  WAS  MOCKED,  SPIT  UPON,  BLIND- 
FOLDED, SMITTEN  ON  THE  CHEEK  AND  BUF- 
FETED. 

I  BLESS  and  thank  Thee,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  Who  art  the  honor  and  glory 
of  Saints,  for  the  very  grievous  contempt  and 
unholy  treatment  shown  Thee ;  when,  after  sen- 
tence of  death  had  been  pronounced.  Thou 
wast  so  indecently  treated  and  so  insultingly 
mocked  by  heartless  servants.  Yea,  with  buf- 
fe tings  many  and  fierce  did  they  smite  Thee  on 
Thy  fa(;e  and  on  Thy  head. 

Alas !  that  Thy  most  glorious  face,  on  which 
Angels  delight  to  gaze,  should  be  shamefully 
defiled  by  the  loathsome  spitting  of  angry 
Jews,  and  struck  with  heavy  blows  from  out- 
spread hands. 

Nor  can  we  fail  to  believe,  that  straightway 
blood  came  forth  abundantly,  mingling  with 
tears  of  lamentation  ;  and  that  Thy  lovely  neck 
was  bniised  by  the  frequent  blows  of  angry 
strikers. 


90        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Thy  most  bright  eyes,  which  are  ever  over 
the  righteous,  were  in  mockery  veiled  after  the 
manner  of  fools. 

Thy  venerable  head,  so  far  above  all  creatures, 
is  violently  smitten  ])y  the  polluted  hands  of 
sinners,  who  with  shouts  of  derision  leap  about 
Thee,  sajang: — ''Prophecy  unto  us,  O  Christ, 
who  is  it  that  smote  Thee  ? " 

Who  can  hear  of  these  Thy  many  injuries, 
O  Lord,  without  great  sighing  and  sorrowing 
of  heart  f  Surely  what  Thou  dost  bear  fai- 
exceeds  the  limit  of  human  endurance ;  the 
weight  of  so  many  insults  severely  vexes  the 
loving  hearts  of  the  holy. 

Thou  becamest  an  alien  to  Thy  friends,  de- 
serted by  Tliine  acquaintances,  a  scorn  and  deri- 
sion to  those  that  hated  Thee  without  a  cause, 
and  winked  with  their  eyes. 

Alas !  O  Lord  God,  Thou  joy  of  the  Court  of 
heaven,  wherefore  dost  Thou,  as  if  Thou  wert 
one  of  the  most  simple  of  men,  suffer  Thyself 
to  be  thus  mocked,  spit  upon,  and  buffeted  by 
the  ungodly  f 

O  the  raging  Jews,  all  that  night  they  spent 
in  mocking  and  beating  Thee  !  Glutting  them- 
selves with  Thy  sufferings,  they  rendered  Thy 
face  to  all  beholders  almost  beyond  recognition. 

There  remained  however  in  Thee  an  un- 
wearied patience,  and  an  incomparable  beauty 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        91 

of  soiil,  not  to  be  discerned  by  Thine  evil  tor- 
mentors. 

Nevertheless,  ha\'iug  in  perfect  innocence 
suffered  all  these  thiug-s  out  of  love,  Thou  art 
become  to  Thine  Elect  much  more  beautiful 
and  dearer  far ;  according  to  the  inner  vdew  of 
the  mind,  tlu-ough  which  Thou,  O  Most  High 
God,  art  perceived  by  them,  most  innocently 
suffering  all  these  things  out  of  Thy  tender 
compassion. 

With  the  vastness  of  this  most  daring  con- 
tempt of  Thee  acutely  before  me,  teach  me,  I 
beseech  Thee,  most  patient  Jesus,  to  consider 
carefully  mine  own  \TLleness;  and,  ha\'ing 
weighed  my  sins,  to  perceive  how  justly  I  have 
deserved  to  be  despised  and  rejected  of  men. 

Pity  my  imperfections,  and  strengthen  my 
heart  to  bear  the  hard  words  of  the  world,  even 
when  my  face  blushes  with  shame  for  my  un- 
holy doings. 

Thou  didst  in  meekness  bear  many  reproaches 
for  me,  a  sinner  despicable  indeed ;  and  that, 
because  Thou  wast  so  truly  Iom^}-.  Nay,  more- 
over, even  bonds  and  blows  were  without  a 
murmm-  endured  by  Thee. 

O  how  unlike  am  I  to  Thee !  how  far  am  I 
from  true  humility  !  I,  who  for  a  slight  offence 
or  a  thoughtless  word,  at  once  dislike  a  man ; 
and  in  return  for  a  reproof,  well  fitted  to  profit 


92        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

me  aud  for  which  I  should  be  thaukfid  indeed^ 
I,  ou  the  contrary,  become  impatient,  grow  oui 
of  heart,  and  so  lose  the  blessing  offered  me. 

I  pray  Thee,  0  Lord,  pardon  these  my  of- 
fences, and  my  frequent  sins  and  le\dty.  I 
have  not  kept  my  heart  with  a  pm"e  conscience  ; 
nor  have  I,  as  in  duty  bound,  submitted  myself 
with  due  reverence  to  Thee,  and  to  every  reason- 
able ordinance. 

Give  me  a  salutary  penitence,  with  a  fountain 
of  tears.  Grant  me  a  love  of  disciphne,  that 
has  Thy  blows  well  in  remembrance.  When 
the  world  severely  accuses  me,  bless  me  with 
the  upholding  palm  of  patience ;  and  may  I 
deem  myself  worthy  of  contempt. 

May  the  cruel  buffeting  of  Thy  head  lead  me 
to  bear  patiently  my  bodily  sufferings,  and  Thy 
scornful  bhndfolding  restrain  mine  eyes  from 
aU  vain  curiosity. 

Let  the  foul  spitting  upon  Thy  comely  face 
keep  down  aU  carnal  affections  within  me,  and 
teach  me  not  to  heed  outward  glitter,  but  rather 
to  honor  the  hidden  graces  of  the  soul. 

Let  the  mockings  practised  on  Thee  drive 
away  from  me  all  hght  beha\'ior  and  vain  hilar- 
ity. Let  the  utter  despisal  of  Thy  dignity  de- 
stroy in  me  all  eager  yearning  for  honor,  and 
ever  incline  me  to  things  which  are  lowly  and 
little  esteemed.     Amen. 


Mcflifafiotts  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        93 


CHAPTER  XI. 

ON   THE   BRINGING   OF  JESUS  BOUND   BEFORE 
PILATE    THE    GOVERNOR. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  most  righteous  Judge  of 
quick  and  dead,  for  being  brought  'mid  noise 
and  clamor  before  Pilate  the  Governor. 

When  the  morning  was  come,  all  the  Chief 
Priests,  being  gathered  together  in  one  place  at 
an  eai-ly  lioiu*,  and  having  taken  their  ^^ile 
counsel  to  put  Thee  to  death,  they,  by  the  hands 
of  their  officers,  brought  Thee  bound  with  cords 
before  one  who  was  uncireumcised — a  heathen 
Governor.  Then  they  assailed  Thy  innocence 
with  accusations  most  grievous,  daring  to  call 
Him,  whom  the  holy  Prophets  of  old  proclaimed 
with  high  praises  the  Saviour  of  the  woi'ld,  a 
malefactor  and  subverter  of  their  nation. 

O  au'ful  blasphemy  of  the  Jews,  to  condemn 
the  guiltless  by  false  witnesses,  to  be  ready  to 
kill  the  Author  of  hf  e,  to  seek  the  crucifixion  of 
Christ  their  King,  to  desire  one  holy  and  just 
to  be  condemned  to  a  death  most  shameful ! 

May  all  who  persecute  Thee  be  confounded 
and  \mi  to  shame,  for  they  are  worthy  of  pun- 
ishments hea\'ier  far ! 


94        Meclitatioiis  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Tliee,  0  adorable  Jesus, 
for  the  perfect  rectitude  of  Thy  demeanor,  and 
for  the  reverend  beaiing  shown  by  Thee  before 
the  tribunal  of  Pilate,  the  Judge. 

Where  Thou,  as  a  most  meek  lamb,  didst 
stand  bound  with  cords  in  the  presence  of 
Thine  accusers ;  Thine  head  inclined,  Thine  eyes 
cast  down  to  the  gi'ound,  Thy  countenance 
calm.  Thy  words  few,  Thy  voice  all  so  low  and 
gentle,  ready  for  reproach  and  prepared  for 
stripes. 

Behold  now  and  consider,  0  devoted  follower 
of  Christ,  how  thy  Lord  and  Sa\'iour.  the  King 
and  Judge  of  all  men,  suffered  Himself  to  be 
di'agged  to  judgment,  submitting  Hmiself  hum- 
bly and  of  His  own  will  to  the  powers  of  this 
world. 

In  tliis  He  has  set  before  thee  an  example  of 
most  wholesome  submission ;  that  thou  also, 
who  art  truly  blameworthy  for  many  faults, 
mayest  learn  to  accuse  thyself  before  God,  and 
to  show  a  fitting  humility,  when  thou  art 
charged  with  sin  by  thy  fellows. 

If  thou  desirest  to  escape  the  pains  of  hell, 
submit  thyself  humbly  to  the  judgment  of  those 
set  over  thee,  nor  dare  to  resist  the  power  or- 
dained of  God. 

And,  for  the  love  of  Jesus,  when  judged 
wrongfully  endure  it  patiently,  even  though 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        95 

some  heav)'  sentence  be  pronounced  against 
thee. 

Let  not  the  won(h-oiis  patience  of  God,  amidst 
so  many  false  charges  brought  against  Him, 
pass  away  nuprofitably  from  thy  heart. 

Therefore,  fjill  prostrate  at  the  feet  of  Jesus, 
fast  holden  by  bonds ;  plead  with  Him  for  i)ar- 
don  and  grace,  pray  Him  to  f  orgiA^e  all  thy  neg- 
ligences; that,  in  this  thy  day  of  mercy.  He 
will  correct  thy  excesses ;  rather  than  after  a 
season  condemn  thee  with  reprol^ates  for  ever. 

Be  merciful,  O  good  Jesus,  be  merciful  to 
me,  a  sinner,  for  my  "  soul  trasteth  in  Thee." 

Breathe  into  me  a  good  spirit,  which  may 
m"ge  me  t<^  a  more  earnest  progress ;  that  I  may 
heartily  strive  to  humbly  obey  and  submit  my- 
self to  tliose  who  are  over  me  in  the  Lord,  and 
receive  wdth  i)atieuce  their  every  order. 

Grant  that  I  may  not  fear  man's  judgment, 
and  never  be  angry  when  accusations  are 
brought  against  me.  Rather  let  me  desire  to 
be  exercised,  accused,  and  disciplined,  that  the 
fear  of  presumption  may  be  utterly  trodden 
down,  and  my  own  will  brought  to  nought. 
Thus,  out  of  my  self-abasement,  may  love  of 
Thee  every  moment  increase,  and  be  forcibly 
drawn  higher  and  higher  heavenward. 


9G        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

ON   THE   DERISION   OF   JESUS   BY   HEROD   AND 
HIS    SOLDIERS. 

I  BLESS  and  thank  Thee,  0  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Eternal  Wisdom  of  the  Father, 
Thou  who  art  tlie  Supreme  Truth  and  the  In- 
finite Power  of  God,  for  that  shameful  contempt 
and  bitter  mockery  endured  by  Thee,  when 
Thou  wast  despised  and  derided  by  Herod  and 
his  soldiers. 

For,  indeed,  Herod  had  for  a  long  time  de- 
su-ed  to  see  Thee,  and,  moved  by  cmiosity,  had 
hoped  to  behold  some  miracle  done  by  Thee. 
But,  when  Thou  madest  no  reply,  nor  wouldest 
without  fitting  cause  work  a  mu-acle  (sm-ely 
it  was  the  hour  of  suffering,  not  of  miracle- 
working)  ;  then  in  his  rage  he  ceased  from  aU 
due  reverence.  Regarding  Thee  as  simple,  he 
haughtily  despised  Thee ;  and  arraying  Thee  in 
a  white  robe,  he  mocked  Thee  and  sent  Thee 
back  to  Pilate. 

I  praise  and  honor  Thee,  O  glorious  Jesus, 
for  these  Thy  wearying  labors  and  cruel  hui-ry- 
ings ;  when,  with  derisive  clamor.  Thou  wast 
led  to  and  fro  tlu*ough  the  lanes  and  streets  of 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.        97 

Jerusalem,  from  place  to  place,  from  Judge  to 
Judge,  everj'where  sorely  accused,  everywhere 
defamed ;  and,  after  much  questioning  and  a 
long  trial,  wast  demanded,  for  death  hy  cruci- 
fixion. 

0  what  marvellous  patience,  at  this  special 
period,  shone  forth  in  Thee,  and  ceased  not 
though  tried  by  many  mockings  !  The  thought 
of  this  public  contempt  of  Thee  carries  deep 
comi)iinction  to  the  hard  heart,  in\dtes  the 
angry  to  gentleness,  and  the  devout  soul  to 
sorrow. 

Behold  Thou,  the  Most  High  God,  art  brought 
low  as  the  meanest  of  Thy  creatures.  Thou, 
the  Almighty  One,  art  thrust  aside  as  most 
helpless.  Thou,  the  Allwise,  art  mocked  as  the 
most  fooUsh.  Thou,  the  most  Innocent,  art 
judged  as  one  guilty  of  deadly  sin. 

Woe  unto  me,  a  miserable  sinner !  weighed 
down  under  a  heavy  burden  of  sin ;  who,  ac- 
cording to  the  merit  of  my  own  doings,  deserves 
eternal  punishment ;  on  whose  behalf  Thou,  O 
gracious,  holy,  and  just  God,  didst  not  disdain 
to  be  mocked  and  despised,  that  Thou  mightest 
deliver  me  in  my  distress  from  the  derision  of 
de^ils,  and  from  everlasting  death. 

1  beseech  Thee,  therefore,  0  Jesus  Almighty, 
whom  no  harshness  could  embitter,  no  contempt 
cast  down,  that  Thou  wouldest  cut  off  from  me 


98        Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

everything  outwardly  vain  and  curious,  aud 
that  I  may  learn  to  be  content  with  lowly  attire. 

For  disgraceful  is  it,  that  earth  and  ashes 
should  seek  show  or  delicacy  in  dress,  when 
Thou,  the  King  of  Heaven,  wast  an  object  of 
contempt,  arrayed  in  a  white  garment. 

Set  before  the  eyes  of  my  mind  Thy  disgrace 
and  derision,  and  teach  me  to  follow  Thee  along 
the  way  of  Thy  reproach,  yea,  to  rejoice  when 
I  am  despised ;  never  to  put  my  trust  in  the 
sons  of  men,  nor  in  the  princes  of  this  world, 
nor  in  the  power  of  friends ;  but  Avith  my  whole 
heart  to  despise  all  earthly  things,  and  the  lov- 
ers thereof. 

Lead  me  with  unshaken  constancy  to  follow 
Thee,  Lord  Jesus,  Aiithor  of  my  salvation  ;  and 
to  bear  ever  in  memory  the  great  and  bitter 
taunts  Thou  didst  endure  for  me,  Thine  un- 
worthy servant. 


CHAPTER  XHL 

OF   THE  WICKED   CLAMOR    OF    THE    JEWS,    "  CRU- 
CIFY  HIM  !    CRUCIFY   HIM  !  " 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  perpetual  joy  of  the  Saints, 
for  the  great  and  insolent  tumult  of  the  Jews 
in  their  rage  against  Thee,  furiously  ciying  out, 


Mt'difafioiis  on   th    ]/if(  of  Chrisf.        00 

"Away  u'itli  Ilim  !  away  witli  lliiii  !  Crucify 
Him  I  crucify  Him  !  " 

Alas,  how  violeut  tlie  fierceness  of  the 
wretched  Jews  !  How  inhuman  tlie  cruehy  of 
the  Chief  Priests  and  I'harisees !  whom  no  fear 
could  keep  from  murdering  Thee,  no  reason 
hold  hack  from  shedding'  innocent  blood  I 

The  heathen  Judge  is  moved  to  some  com- 
passion, but  the  Jews  are  hardened  to  fiercer 
malignity.  Pilate  strives  to  excuse  Thee,  he 
seeks  some  de\'ice  for  setting  Thee  free,  he  de- 
clares that  he  has  found  no  cause  of  death  in 
Thee. 

But  the  Jews,  forgetting  all  their  benefits, 
oppose  him  with  the  reply,  "  If  thou  lettest  this 
man  go.  thou  art  not  Ctesar's  friend ;  for  every 
one  who  nuiketh  himself  a  king,  setteth  himself 
up  against  Ca?sar." 

Alas,  how  falsely  do  they  invent  these  things 
against  Thy  humility !  For  neither  by  word 
nor  deed  hadst  Thou  sought  worldly  honors. 
So  far  from  that,  when  the  multitude,  who,  by 
a  very  signal  miracle,  had  been  fed  with  a  few 
loaves  and  fishes,  determined  to  make  Thee  a 
King,  at  once  Thou  didst  retire  to  the  solitude 
of  a  mountain,  there  abiding  alone  in  secret 
prayer. 

Nor  were  such  e\'il  doings  enough ;  others 
and  worse  were  added  thereto,  that  the  Judge 


100      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

mi^ght  be  moved  to  kill  the  God-man  Clirist : — 
"  We  have  a  law  (they  cried),  and  by  our  law 
He  ought  to  die,  because  He  made  Himself  the 
Son  of  God." 

The  Governor  hearing  these  things  is  afraid. 
He  inquires,  "Whence  art  Thou?"  and  asks, 
"What  is  truth f"  No  answer  is  given  him, 
because  the  Jews  with  wild  importunity  demand 
sentence  of  death. 

At  length,  yielding  to  their  great  mckedness, 
and  to  preserve  the  favor  of  their  leaders,  the 
base  Ruler  assents  to  their  unholy  cry. 

O  how  bitter  and  offensive  was  it  that  the 
words  of  malediction,  "  Crucify  Him  !  Crucify 
Him  !  " — the  blessed  Jesus — should  be  pro- 
claimed throughout  all  Jerusalem ! 

Which  of  His  lovers  did  not  then  grieve  and 
weep,  w^ho,  perchance,  heard  the  curses  and 
cries  for  crucifixion  again  and  again  uttered 
against  his  most  loving  Lord  Jesus  ? 

O  how  mournful  the  voice,  how  most  sad  the 
rumor  that  filled  the  ears  of  the  most  saintly 
Virgin  Mother ;  when  the  cruel  sentence  of  the 
people,  and  the  tumultuous  demand  for  the 
Cross,  were  borne  aloft  from  the  mouths  of  the 
multitude ! 

Moan,  0  devout  servant  of  Jesus,  and,  from 
the  inmost  recesses  of  thy  breast,  draw  forth 
the  heavy  groans  of  compunction. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      101 

Leai'u  witli  what  pangs  the  heart  of  the 
Mother  of  (tocI  is  troubled,  when  her  Blessed 
Son  is  called  for,  to  hang  on  the  hateful  Cross. 

He,  who  ever  hears  angehc  songs  sounding 
through  the  courts  of  heaven,  ''Holy,  Holy, 
Holy,"  now  hears  Jews  with  then-  acciu'sed 
tongues  thundering  out  against  Him  in  clamor- 
ing accents,  "Away  with  Him !  Away  with 
Him !     Crucify  Him  ! "' 

Him,  -whoni  l)ut  a  little  before  at  the  Feast 
of  Palms  children  praised,  singing  glad  songs 
of  joy;  now  (how  changed  the  scene!)  their 
very  parents  with  savage  mind,  call  for  His 
crucifixion,  saying,  "  Not  this  man,  but  Barab- 
bas." 

Meditate  seriously  on  this  hour,  thou  lover  of 
thy  Lord's  Passion.  Against  the  worst  rimiors 
of  the  world  close  firmly  the  ears  of  thy  heart ; 
but  open  thine  hearing  widely  to  the  dismal 
shouting  for  the  crucifixion  of  Jesus. 

Faithful  soul,  I  say  unto  thee,  that  it  will  be 
more  profitable  thus  to  meditate,  than  to  study 
the  stars  of  heaven.  If  thou  truly  lovest  Jesus, 
thou  wilt  not  pass  through  this  period  without 
a  heavy  sigh  of  bitterness. 

Wlien,  therefore,  the  world  is  against  thee 
and  assails  thee  with  many  unjust  reproaches, 
be  not  broken  in  spirit  by  evil  words,  nor  by 
the  threatening  of  adversaries ;  but  bear  well 


102      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

in  mind  the  most  patient  Jesus,  and  tlie  re\-il- 
ings  He  endured  for  thee;  and.  \\dth  a  deaf 
eai',  suifei'  all  foolish  reports  to  pass  by  thee 
unheeded. 

When  also  thy  good  works  are  accounted  as 
evil,  and  the  more  part  oppose  themselves  to 
thy  mtness  for  Christ,  and  are  unwilhng  to 
take  thy  word,  bear  with  it  all  meekly ;  because 
thou  art  not  more  innocent  than  Christ,  against 
whom  they  insultingly  cried,  "  Crucify  Him ! 
Cnicify  Him ! " 

Know,  therefore,  this  beforehand;  since  in 
thy  walk  heavenward  thou  wait  have  to  suffer 
contradictious  not  a  few,  yet  wilt  thou  have  no 
praise  whatever  of  God,  unless,  for  His  sake, 
thou  slialt  be  tried  in  thy  various  movements 
in  life. 

Wherefore  He  hath  said  to  His  beloved 
friends,  '•  Blessed  are  ye,  when  men  shall  hate 
you,  and  re^-ile  you,  for  the  Son  of  Man's  sake." 

Follow  then  the  innocent  Jesus,  rejected  in- 
deed on  earth  by  mcked  men,  but  chosen  of 
Clod  the  Father,  and  crowned  in  heaven  with 
glory  and  honor.  Let  not  e\dl  speaking,  which 
is  but  for  a  moment,  overcome  thee,  for  who2n 
"  an  eternal  weight  of  glory  "  is  prepared  by  God. 

I  now,  therefore,  beseech  Thy  boundless  love, 
O  gentle  Lord  Jesu  Christ,  that  Thou  wouldest 
inflame  my  heart  with  the  grace  of  a  large 


MeditailoHs  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      103 

sympathy ;  and  cause  it  to  bm*u  with  so  g'low- 
ing  a  fii"e  of  Th}-  love,  that  I  may  rejoice  to  bear 
with  a  peaceful  mind  all  revihngs  and  ^vi-ongf ul 
charges ;  and  never  fear  the  terrors  and  annoy- 
ances of  men ;  but  desire  with  my  whole  heart 
to  indtate  Thee  in  the  reproach  of  the  Cross. 

Arm  me  against  the  temptations  of  the  flesh, 
and  grant  me  with  due  disci})line  to  crucify  its 
evil  affections ;  to  bewail  Vv^ith  tears  of  penitence 
the  faults  already  conmiitted  by  me  ;  and  never 
to  yield  delil)erate  consent  to  any  evil  assault 
against  me. 

Finally,  in  every  spiritual  conflict  and  dis- 
tress of  heart,  by  the  power  of  Thy  life-giving 
Cross,  succor  and  defend  me  fi-om  the  vnles,  of 
the  enemy. 

That  wliich  was  prepared  for  Thy  reproach, 
may  it  become  my  remedy ;  that  even  I,  by  the 
x-ictory  of  Thy  holy  Cross,  may  devoutly  bring 
back  to  Thee  the  grateful  sacrifice  of  praise. 
Amen. 


CHAPTER   XIV. 

ON   THE   STRIPPING   AND    SCOURGING   OF  .lESUS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  most  gracious  Prote.'tor  of 
all  who  hope  in  Thee,  for  the  shameful  stripping 


» 

104      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

of  Thee  iii  the  presence  of  Thy  deriders ;  when, 
at  the  cruel  mandate  of  the  impious  Judge,  the 
soldiers  of  the  eoui't  spoiled  Thee  of  Thy  cloth- 
ing-, and  presented  Thee  naked  to  be  hound  with 
hard  cords,  and  scoirrged  with  the  sharpest 
rods,  as  if  a  wicked  corrupter  and  the  vilest 
transgressor  of  the  law. 

And  all  this  to  gratify,  forsooth,  the  augry 
minds  of  the  Priests,  who  soiight  to  devour  Thy 
life,  and  bring  Thee  down  with  sorrow  to  the 
grave. 

I  extol  and  honor  Thee  with  suppliant  praise, 
especially  for  being  fast  bound  to  the  hard  pil- 
lar: that  Thou  mightest  loose  us  from  the 
bonds  of  our  sins,  and  restore  us  to  never-end- 
ing Hberty  in  things  celestial. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee  with  continual 
thanks  for  Thy  barbarous  scourging,  and  for 
every  hard  blow  and  acute  piercing  of  Thy  most 
sacred  and  tender  Body;  whilst  these  cruel 
scourgers  pitilessly  struck,  and  deeply  tore  Thy 
spotless  flesh,  stripe  after  stripe ;  inflicting  on 
every  side  bruise  upon  bruise;  so  that  there 
was  no  sound  part  in  Thee  ! 

Innumerable  fountains  of  Thy  j^recious 
Blood,  like  unto  crimson  streams,  poured  forth 
abundantly  at  every  stroke.  And  this,  that 
Thou  mightest  wash  us  from  the  inveterate 
pollutions  of  our  sins,  and  cleanse  our  souls 


Meditations  on  tltc  Life  of  Christ.      105 

from  all  tlicir  o-uilt  by  Tliy  most  pnMMoiis  ItJlood. 

Alas  !  alas  !  O  Lord,  how  great  the  madness 
of  these  base  Jews !  What  hearts  of  stone  liad 
the  smiters,  who  feared  not,  unprovoked,  to 
seourg-e  Thee,  the  fairest  of  men.  Yea,  they 
stood  as  giants  against  Thee,  and  spared  Thee 
not. 

O  Tliou  holy  Elect  Child,  the  Child  of  my 
Lord,  why  didst  Thou  have  pity  on  me,  worthy 
as  I  am  of  so  much  bitterness!  Verily,  I  am 
nothing.  I,  even  I,  a  man  of  pei'ditiou,  was  the 
cause  of  all  this  Thy  sorrow  and  confusion. 
The  greatness  of  my  sins  was  woe  to  Thee.  To 
remove  them,  it  was  necessary  for  the  Son  of 
God  to  suffer  bitter  torments  indeed. 

Therefore,  0  devout  soul,  redeemed  by  the 
purple  Blood  of  Christ,  and  with  the  affection 
of  His  great  compassion,  have  well  in  memory 
the  scourging  of  thy  Lord,  and  retm-n  to  Him 
the  obedience  of  a  devoted  gratitude. 

O  superlatively  sweet  Jesus,  who  for  me,  the 
basest  of  sinners,  wast  cruelly  beaten,  grant  me 
Avith  rent  heart  to  gaze  on  the  wale  of  eacii 
stroke ;  and  from  my  inmost  soul,  with  tender 
love,  devoutly  and  passionately  to  kiss  the  same. 
From  whence  I  feel  the  savor  of  life  to  How  to 
me,  and  the  soothing  balm  of  eternal  salvation. 

Inflame  me  with  the  ardor  of  Thy  unmeasur- 
able  charity,  whereby  Thou  hast  proved  Thy 


106      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

love  for  nie  ;  when,  for  Thy  condemned  servant, 
Thou  didst  vouchsafe  most  patiently  to  endure 
so  many  stripes. 

Help  my  mfii'mity  by  Thy  grace  in  the  hour 
of  heavy  tribulation ;  lest,  when  severely  op- 
pressed by  disquiet,  I  be  east  down  or  gi*eatly 
distiu'bed  in  mind.  Full  well  rem embering-  Thy 
unjust  scourging,  may  I  be  found  submissive 
under  every  trial. 

Make  me  a  partaker  of  Thy  sufferings,  and 
move  me  to  amendment  of  life  by  the  discipline 
of  sons ;  that,  being  in  all  lowhness  chastened, 
I  may,  here  on  earth,  the  more  acceptably  serve 
Thee  ;  and,  when  this  life  is  ovei',  triumph  with 
Thee  in  greater  glory ;  where  the  Saints,  having 
all  fear  of  evil  removed,  rejoice  in  the  eternal 
victory  of  patience. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

ON    THE    STRIPPING,    MOCKING,    CROWNING,    AND 
SMITING   OF   THE    HEAD    OF   JESUS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Ulustrious  King  of  Saints  and  radi- 
ant Crown  of  eternal  glory,  for  the  mau}^  un- 
heard-of scoffs  and  vexations,  with  which  Thou 
wast  at  length  exercised  by  base  torturers,  when 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      107 

brought  by  cruel  soldiers  into  the  Judgment- 
hall. 

Where,  the  whole  l)and  being  assembled, 
Thou  wast  slianiefully  stripped  of  Thine  owti 
garments;  and,  in  place  thereof,  wast  con- 
temptuously clad  in  a  purple  robe,  that  Thou 
mightest  clothe  us,  who  are  devoid  of  all  vu-tue, 
with  the  cloak  of  Thy  righteousness,  and  adorn 
us  with  the  sweetness  of  Thy  nature. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee  w^ith  the  special 
devotion  of  my  sympathizing  heart,  for  Thy 
most  grievous  punishment — ^the  crown  of  thorns 
— which,  for  us  poor  worms,  Thou  didst  pa- 
tiently bear  on  Thy  sacred  head. 

For  then  Thy  blessed  head,  sanctified  above 
aU  Nazarites,  was  so  crowded  with  thorns,  and 
so  sharply  pierced,  even  to  the  tenderest  parts 
thereof ;  that  large  streams  of  blood  flowed  on 
aU  sides  about  Thy  neck,  Thine  ears,  Thine 
eyes,  and  Thy  cheeks;  rendering  that  sAveet 
face  of  Thine,  on  which  the  spitting  of  the  Jews 
was  yet  scarcely  drj-,  all  blood}'  and  disfigm-ed. 

O  spectacle  most  sad,  to  behold  the  Hon  of 
God,  in  Whom  no  sin  could  be  found,  thus 
crowned  with  reproach  and  cruelty  ! 

O  most  bitter  rage  of  the  soldiers,  who  shud- 
dered not  to  pierce  with  so  many  thorns,  so 
holy,  so  beautiful,  so  noble,  and  so  venerable  a 
head;    but  even  dared  to  salute  in  derision, 


108      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

strike,  and   publicly  mock   the  very  King  of 
Angels ! 

0  most  gentle  Jesus,  Thou  King  most  loving, 
Crown  of  confessors,  strength  of  warriors,  the 
joy  of  potentates,  the  example  of  all  Thy  fol- 
lowers, how  vilely  art  Thou  treated  in  my  be- 
half ;  how  fiercely  art  Thou  tortm-ed ;  with  how 
many  worryings  art  Thou  filled  from  without ; 
with  what  unutterable  sufferings  art  Thou  over- 
whelmed from  within !  That  Thou  mightest 
snatch  me  from  eternal  confusion  and  the  tor- 
ments of  hell,  take  out  from  my  heart  the  thorns 
of  vice,  and  crown  me  in  the  heavens  with  un- 
ceasing honor  and  glory. 

1  praise  and  glorify  Thee  for  that  derisive 
greeting,  that  false  adoration  shown  Thee,  when 
the  ministers  of  cruelty,  with  bended  knees,  vio- 
lently struck  Thee.  Seoffingly  worshipping  they 
scornfully  called  Thee  a  king,  exclaiming  with 
an  impious  shout,  ''  Hail,  King  of  the  Jews  ! '' 

Alas,  O  mortal  man,  servant  of  sin,  consider 
how  gi"eat  the  anguish  and  contempt,  to  which 
the  Only-Begotten  Son  of  the  Father  is  sub- 
jected for  thee. 

Open  the  ears  of  thy  mind,  and,  at  PUate's 
cruel  cry,  "  Behold  the  Man  !  "  melt  into  holy 
sighs  and  tears.  If  there  be  in  thee,  therefore, 
any  bowels  of  compassion,  gi^oan  and  w^eep  in 
sympathy  with  the  Creator  of  the  universe. 


Miditdfioti.s  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      109 

I  praise  and  bless  Thee,  O  most  noble  Jesus, 
for  that  seornfiil  mockery,  when,  to  increase 
Thy  confusion,  in  Thy  right  hand  was  placed  a 
reed  for  a  royal  see])tre  ;  as  if  Thou  hadst  been 
the  rash  usurpei-  of  kingly  dignity. 

I  praise  and  exalt  Thee  for  the  severe  blows 
on  Thy  sacred  head,  already  wounded,  received 
from  merciless  men  and  brutal  torturers  ;  blows 
repeatedly  delivered  from  the  loftily  raised  reed- 
statf.  Foidly  also  did  they  spit  on  Thee,  and 
thrust  out  their  venomous  tong-ues  at  Thee. 

Come  forth  now,  ye  daughters  of  Jerusalem, 
and  behold  King  Sol()nu)n  with  the  crown,  with 
which  His  Mother  (the  Synagogue  of  the  Jews) 
crowned  Him  on  the  day  of  His  Passion. 

Consider  how  great  is  He  that  goeth  forth. 
With  wliat  deep  affliction  and  reproach  is  He 
led  out,  at  the  command  of  Pilate,  that  to  all 
may  be  made  manifest  His  most  piteous  ap- 
pearan(»e.  In  good  tinith,  sad  is  it  to  behold 
these  things,  very  grievous  are  they  to  think 
on  :  devout  love  calls  aloud  for  our  compassion. 

Behold  the  patient  and  meek  Jesus  goes  forth 
from  the  Judgment-haU,  wearing  on  His  head 
the  crowTi  of  thorns,  and  aiTayed  in  a  pui-ple 
robe.  Perchance  the  fury  of  a  treacherous  peo- 
ple might  be  a  httle  moved  to  pity,  seeing  the 
Chi-ist  so  terribly  dishonored  and  afflicted. 

But  alas  !  alas  !  the  malicious  crowd  rage  the 


110      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

more  violently,  and  to  the  (xovernor's  public 
cry,  ''  Behold  the  Man,"  exclaim  with  increased 
fierceness,  ''Away  -wdth  Him  !  Away  with  Him  ! 
Crucify  Him !  " 

Hearing  all  this,  and,  with  the  words  deep 
in  thy  heart,  tremble  and  wax  pale,  thou  faith- 
ful lover  of  Jesus,  at  the  vastness  of  His  sor- 
row. 

Beat  thy  breast,  pour  out  thy  tears,  prostrate 
thyself  before  the  crowned  Jesus,  bearing  the 
outward  appearance  of  a  king,  yet  tilled  with 
the  confusion  of  the  most  despicable  slave. 

Who  submitted  Himself  to  the  miseries  of 
these  awful  punishments,  that  He  might  restrain 
in  thee  all  yearning  for  worldly  glory,  and  sub- 
due in  thee  the  plague  of  pride. 

O  man,  formed  of  the  dust  of  the  ground,  be 
thou  ashamed  to  follow  the  glory  of  the  world, 
when  thou  seest  the  noble  head  of  thy  Lord  so 
dishonored. 

Far  be  it  from  thee,  that,  under  a  thorn- 
crowned  head,  there  be  found  an  effeminate 
member;  seeing  that  He,  of  the  highest  maj- 
esty, bows  Himself  dowm  to  a  state  hard  and 
lowly  indeed. 

Be  thou  unwilling  to  seek  the  paths  of  an 
easy  life ;  take  to  th3'self  rather  the  fervor  of  a 
severe  discij)line. 

Be  confounded,  all  ye  sons  of  pride,  who  pant 


Mrdifafiotis  on   the   Life  of  Christ.       Ill 

after  liigher  thiiie:.s  ;  who  raise  aloft  your  lieads 
that  ye  may  seem  more  worthy.  Alas !  it  is 
thus  ye  become  only  the  more  degraded. 

Blush,  in  the  presence  of  the  scourj^ed  and 
thorn-crowned  Jesus,  to  walk  majestic  in  your 
splendor,  ye  who  adorn  yourselves  ■with  silks 
and  precious  stones ;  who  array  those  bodies, 
that  so  soon  will  perish,  with  chains  of  gold 
and  silver,  your  heads  in  \n''u\e  all  delicately 
attired;  but  ye  consider  not  the  work  of  your 
redemption,  with  what  dii-e  agonies  it  was  ac- 
complished. 

Be  comforted,  be  comforted,  thou  poor  ulcer- 
stricken  Lazarus,  the  despised  of  the  world, 
whoever  thou  mayest  be ;  for  thou,  in  thy  in- 
firmities and  contempt,  bearest  a  closer  resem- 
blance to  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  than  the  rich  man 
in  his  e^•il  way,  clothed  though  he  be  in  purple 
and  fine  linen. 

And  thou,  lowly  brother,  be  not  ashamed  of 
thy  coarse  and  patched  garment;  for  to  thy 
special  glory  is  it,  in  the  sight  of  God  and  His 
Angels,  if,  when  poor  in  di-ess,  thou  art  seen 
richly  clad  in  holiness. 

For,  how  utterly  out  of  order  is  it  for  one, 
who  professes  to  be  a  follower  of  Jesus,  to  yearn 
for  cloth  of  fine  texture,  when  to  this  world  he 
should  be  dead :  and  in  the  use  of  all  earthly 
things,  ever  embrace  poverty. 


112      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

The  man  of  God,  apart  from  the  world, 
whose  life  it  is  to  meditate  often  with  sorrowing 
heart  on  the  torturing  coronation  of  Jesus, 
when  he  himself  is  afflicted,  how  true  and  sweet 
is  his  comfort. 

As  often,  therefore,  as  thou  feelest  thyself 
perplexed,  call  to  mind  aU  the  thorns  l)orne  by 
Jesus ;  and  thou  wilt  bear  thy  trouble  more 
meekly,  whether  thou  hast  been  greatly  annoyed 
by  others,  or  severely  visited  by  pains  in  the 
head  ;  or  (wliich  for  the  most  part  is  the  more 
grievous),  when  thy  good  name  has  been  torn 
by  the  many  thorns  of  calumny. 

Happier  far  for  thee  to  suffer  now  with 
afflicted  Jesus,  and  to  bear  a  crown  of  thorns 
with  crowned  Jesus,  by  endiuing  many  and 
varied  grievances  here  on  earth ;  than,  ha^dng 
lived  to  thyself,  to  suffer  hereafter  the  pains  of 
hell,  and  (what  will  try  most  the  lost)  to  be 
eternally  severed  and  banished  from  the  most 
delightful  face  of  the  Saviour  Jesus,  and  from 
the  sweet  company  of  all  the  blessed. 

O  how  jo^-ful  and  de^-oid  of  aU  fear  shall  he 
stand  in  the  presence  of  the  eternal  King,  at 
the  last  and  awful  Judgment,  who  now  is  not 
ashamed  to  bear  the  reproach  of  his  dishonor, 
and  the  pains  of  bodily  suffering. 

0  how  acceptable  and  dear  to  God  is  that 
soul,  how  fruitful  "\^all  be  found  its  meditations  j 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      113 

which  is  inwardly  troubled  for  the  sufferings  of 
Jesus,  is  wounded  to  the  heart  for  His  wounds, 
and,  out  of  sorrow  for  His  Death,  with  a  lov-ing 
death  dies  with  Him. 

I  sorrow  over  Thee,  O  good  Jesus,  patient 
and  meek,  so  grievously  scourged,  shamefully 
mocked,  and  most  cruelly  crowned  for  me.  O 
grant  unto  me,  I  pray  Thee,  the  gi-ace  of  a 
penetrative  compunction,  that  I  may  be  able  to 
sorrow  the  more  abundantly. 

Wherefore,  humbly  prostrate  before  Thee,  I 
adore  Thy  venerable  Majesty,  in  Thy  human 
natm-e  so  contemptuously  degraded.  With  de- 
vout lips  I  earnestly  plead,  that  Thou  wouldest 
clearly  imprint  and  ardently  stamp  upon  my 
heart  that  miserable  expression  of  Thy  counte- 
nance ;  such  as  Thou  wast  seen  to  have  in  that 
hour  when,  as  an  abhorred  leper.  Thou  wast 
thrust  from  among  men,  and  'mid  confusion  led 
forth,  crowned  with  thorns — a  spectacle  unto 
the  public. 

]\Iay  it  enter — may  that  appearance  most  sad 
enter  the  recesses  of  my  heart,  and  may  I  be 
so  effectually  pricked  in  my  conscience  and  tor- 
tured, that  everything  worldly  and  selfish  may 
perish  from  mine  eyes,  and  aU  that  is  carnal 
and  lustful  utterly  die  away.  May  all  that  is 
bitter  and  \'ile  become  sweet  and  pleasant. 
May  Thy  sufferings  subdue  in  me  all  evil  affec- 


114       Medifafion.t  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

tions,  and  Thy  heaviest  sorrows  soften  my  daily 
troubles. 

May  this  sacred  impression  of  Thy  ci'oAvn- 
ing,  seriously  and  deeply  realized,  comfort  me 
greatly  in  adversity,  and  uphold  me  against  the 
assaults  of  inconstant  wanderings. 

For  the  mind  engaged  with  heavenly  things, 
and  given  to  contrition,  is  freed  from  noxious 
thoughts,  and  protected  from  the  assailing  darts 
of  the  enemy. 

Free  me,  O  Lord  Jesu,  of  my  every  spot  of 
selfishness,  clothe  me  with  real  virtues,  and 
grant  me  cheerfulness  even  when  despised; 
that  I  may  learn  to  endure  cabnly,  when  de- 
prived of  the  necessaries  of  life ;  and  never  to 
be  indignant  should  old  garments  be  served  me 
instead  of  new,  or  rougher  dress  in  the  place  of 
that  which  ought  to  be  better. 

Let  me  not  murmur  against  those  who  mock 
me,  nor  contend  with  those  who  upbraid  me ; 
but,  in  remembrance  of  Thy  crown  of  thorns, 
may  I,  for  my  salvation's  sake,  calmly  accept 
whatever  pain  and  perplexity  may  befall  me. 

Prick  at  last  the  hardness  of  my  heart,  and 
with  the  sharpest  thorn  on  Thy  head  pierce  its 
veiy  centre  ;  that  all  in  my  blood  that  is  hurt- 
ful, mingled  with  the  evils  of  the  flesh,  may 
pour  forth  from  the  wound ;  and  the  gi^eat  spur 
of  Thy  sacred  love  remain  fixed  therein,  till  I 


Mcdifdfions  on  fhe  Life  of  Christ.      115 

be  fully  piirg:e(l  from  the  thorns  of  vice,  and 
the  thistles  of  temptation,  and  so  duly  prepared 
for  the  seeds  of  virtue. 

Thus  may  the  ijri-ouud  of  my  heart,  infected 
with  the  fu-st  curse,  by  the  infusion  of  Thy 
sacred  Blood,  receive  a  new  blessing. 

And  the  end  will  be,  that  the  rose  of  love 
will  spring  up  in  me,  where  once  was  the  thorn 
of  envy ;  the  lily  of  chastitj^,  in  place  of  the 
nettle  of  lust ;  the  \'iolet  of  humility,  instead  of 
the  briar  of  vanity ;  and  the  flowers  of  gentle- 
ness, where  once  flourished  the  brambles  of 
asperity.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

ON  THE  UNJUST  CONDEMNATION  OF  JESUS  TO 
THE  DEATH  OP  THE  CROSS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Author  of  life  and  Rule  of  justice, 
for  Thine  unjust  condemnation  to  death,  with- 
out any  offence  of  Thine;  whilst  a  man  un- 
worthy to  live,  a  mui'derer  and  a  rebel,  was 
suffered  to  go  free. 

O  judgment  most  perverse !  O  exchange 
most  unhappy !  For  when  among  the  })eople 
a  mighty  tumult  was  raging,  and  the  Judge 


116      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

could  in  no  way  allay  the  fierceness  of  the  Jews, 
he  sat  in  judgment  and  passed  the  wicked  sen- 
tence, that  Barabbas  the  robber,  who  for  a  capi- 
tal crime  merited  death,  should  be  spared ;  and 
that  Thou,  pure  from  every  offence,  shouldest 
be  given  over  to  the  Cross,  there  to  be  punished 
by  a  death  most  ignominious. 

Alas !  alas !  such  is  the  judgment  of  this 
world.  How  terribly  is  justice  set  at  naught 
when  the  wicked  have  the  dominion.  Behold 
how  the  Righteous  peiisheth,  and  there  is  none 
to  dehver  Hun. 

O  gi'ievous  indeed !  The  Man  of  Truth  is 
made  over  to  deceivers ;  the  unjust  scourge  the 
holy ;  the  innocent  is  given  up  instead  of  the 
guilty;  a  robber  is  preferred  to  Christ,  and 
Barabbas  in  bonds  is  set  at  liberty  instead  of 
Jesus  of  Nazareth. 

The  lamb  is  exchanged  for  the  wolf;  the 
Saint  for  the  criminal ;  the  best  for  the  worst ; 
the  deadly  sinner  escapes  in  the  place  of  the 
true  God.  Darkness  is  preferred  to  Hght ;  vice 
to  virtue  ;  death  to  life  ;  clay  to  gold ;  the  shell 
to  the  pearl ;  the  infamous  to  the  honorable  ! 

Who,  hearing  these  things,  does  not  sorrow  ? 
Who  is  not  incensed  against  the  Jews  ?  Who 
does  not  condemn  the  Judge  f  Let  that  Judge 
wash  his  hands,  let  him  excuse  himself  before 
men,  let  him  say  that  he  acted  through  feai'  of 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      117 

Cffisar ;  that  he  was  impelled  by  the  iinportu- 
nity  of  the  Jews ;  still  is  he  in  no  way  free  from 
guilt,  for  he  knew  that  •'  for  envy  they  had  de- 
livered Him." 

Better  far  would  it  have  been  for  him  to  have 
lost  the  high  place  of  honor,  which  is,  at  the 
best,  but  for  a  little  moment,  than  to  have  con- 
demned the  innocent,  whom  he  knew  to  be  just. 
More  to  his  profit  had  he  lost  the  whole  world, 
than  to  sin  against  God  by  mui'deiing  the 
Christ. 

O  how  terrible  will  be  the  judgment  of  the 
wicked  and  unbelieving ;  w^hen,  at  the  last  day, 
God  the  Judge,  now  judged  unjustly,  shall  ap- 
pear in  the  glory  of  His  Majesty ! 

Then  shall  all  the  truly  faithful  be  glad ;  who 
now  so  bitterly  moiu-n  over  the  cruel  condemna- 
tion of  Jesus  Christ  their  Lord. 

Then  shall  rejoice  in  safety  all,  who  now 
bear  with  patience  the  trials  of  the  world,  the 
losses  they  sustain,  and  the  contempt  they  re- 
ceive. 

O  holy  and  sweet  Jesus,  Who  wast  unjustly 
judged  by  Pilate,  the  Governor,  and  condemned 
to  the  shame  of  the  Cross !  gi'ant  me  humbly 
to  undergo  whatever  sentence  may  be  pro- 
nounced against  me,  never  rashly  to  judge  him 
who  is  over  me  in  the  Lord,  nor  assail  in  anger 
mine  accuser;    but  rather,  following  Thy  ex- 


118      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

ample,  may  I  strive  after  the  like  \drtue  of 
silence. 

May  I  never  deem  it  hard  to  be  trodden  un- 
der foot  by  one  higher  than  I,  but  commit  to 
Thee  the  scrutiny  of  every  decree. 

For  "the  servant  is  not  greater  than  his 
Lord."  If  they  have  sentenced  Thee  falsely, 
Who  art  the  Judge  of  all  men  and  Thou,  Who 
wert  entirely  guiltless,  resistedst  not  the  \aolence 
of  Thine  adversaries ;  how  much  more  does  it 
behove  me,  who  in  so  many  things  do  so  often 
offend,  to  suffer  patiently ;  readily  submitting 
myself  when  under  censure. 

Help  me,  gracious  Lord,  readily  to  bear  the 
yoke  of  subjection  and  the  rod  of  correction, 
and  in  the  hour  of  my  every  tribulation,  let  me 
have  Thy  sorrows  weU  in  remembrance. 


CHAPTER   XVII. 

ON  JESUS  CARRYING  THE   CROSS,   AND   BEING 
LED   TO   THE   PLACE   CALLED    CALVARY. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  0  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  true  Vine,  Thou  Way  of 
Life,  and  our  Salvation,  for  bearing  pubHcly 
the  very  grievous  and  ignominious  Cross,  which, 
for  the  redemption  of  the  whole  human  family, 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      119 

Thou  didst  eoudcsceud  to  take  up  and  patiently 
to  bear;  that  Thou  mijjhtest,  on  Thine  own 
shoulders,  cany  buck  with  Thee  to  the  Coiu'ts 
of  heaven,  the  lost  sheep  so  long  sought  by 
Thee,  and  after  so  much  labor  found  by  Thee. 

I  praise  and  honor  Thee,  renowned  Standard- 
bearer  of  the  Christian  Ai*niy,  for  Thy  going 
forth  sorrowful  and  in  the  midst  of  confusion  ; 
when,  with  the  ponderous  C^ross  of  wood,  cruelly 
laid  upon  Thee,  Thou  wast  ignobly  led  without 
the  beautiful  city,  in  which  Thou  liadst  before, 
by  many  mh'acles  and  discourses,  so  gloriously 
shone  forth.  But  now  the  furiousness  of  the 
multitude  is  more  bitterly  raised  against  Thee, 
as  against  som<^  associate  of  thieves — some 
leader  of  robbers,  and  Thou  art  declared  worthy 
only  to  be  hanged  on  the  highest  Cross,  in  the 
midst  of  the  basest  of  men. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee,  O  most  excellent 
Jesus,  for  this  trying  and  most  oppressive 
march,  this  strange  journeying  about,  which 
Thou  didst  undergo  for  us ;  for  every  step  of 
Thy  feet  impressed  on  the  earth,  for  the  excess- 
ive weariness  of  Thy  body,  weakened  by  pre- 
vious torturing ;  for  the  ascents  and  descents 
of  a  rough  road,  made  so  toilsome  by  the  weight 
of  Thy  Cross ;  for  the  hurried  driving  and  base 
dragging  of  Thee  by  Thine  unfeehug  attend- 
ants. 


120      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

By  them  Thou  wast  ordered  to  advance, 
rouglily  wast  Thou  thrust  forward,  cruelly 
goaded  on  from  beliind,  \dolently  di-agged  on 
before ;  ofttunes  hither  and  thither  most  cruelly 
worried.  Thou  didst  make  Thy  way  of  sorrow, 
greatly  pressed  do"v\Ti  and  bent,  compelled  as 
Thou  wast  to  bear  an  intolerable  bm'den  to  the 
heights  of  Calvaiy. 

Alas !  alas  !  never  hadst  Thou  such  a  journey 
— ^never  so  rugged  a  track — never  didst  Thou 
bear  so  painful  a  yoke. 

I  praise  and  highly  exalt  Thee  for  being  ut- 
terly set  at  naught  by  the  vilest  of  men,  who 
led,  dragged,  and  insulted  Thee ;  for  the  many 
foul  utterings  they  hurled  at  Thee ;  for  the  re- 
proachful scandals  against  Thine  innocence, 
f alsety  put  forth  by  the  way ;  for  the  insolent 
exultation  of  Thine  adversaries,  gloating  over 
Thy  cruel  Death  and  shameful  Cnicifixion. 

Amidst  such  miseries  enclosing  Thee  on  every 
side.  Thou  wentest  forth  like  a  meek  lamb  that 
is  led  to  the  slaughter ;  bent  on  man's  salvation, 
pitying  the  blindness  of  the  Jews,  and  deeply 
sighing  over  the  malice  of  those  in  charge  of 
Thee. 

I  praise  and  bless  Thee  for  the  heart's  tender 
love  shown  towards  Thee,  for  the  j)lenteous 
tears  of  compassion  poured  forth  by  Thy 
friends,  and  for  the  devout  attendance  of  the 


Meditations  on  the  JJfe  of  Clirist.      121 

pitpng  women,  who  bitterly  bewailed  Thee. 
Modestly,  with  downcast  looks,  they  followed 
Thee  step  by  step  for  a  season. 

Turning:  to  them  with  a  gi*aeio;is  exhortation. 
Thou  didst  calm  their  mournful  sobbing,  thus 
saying :  "  Daughters  of  Jerusalem,  weep  not  for 
me,  but  weep  for  your  children.  For  if  they 
do  these  things  in  a  gi-een  tree,  what  shall  be 
done  in  the  dry  ? " 

O  how  great  was  then  the  grief  of  all  Thy 
dear  ones !  how  especially  gi'cat  the  lamenta- 
tions of  the  holy  women,  looking  after  Thee 
"with  the  deepest  f(>eling  of  compassion,  utterly 
unable  to  approach  Thee — helpless  to  deliver 
Thee  from  death ! 

But,  O,  how  inconceivable  the  grief  which 
seized  and  agitated  the  inmost  soul  of  IMarv, 
Thy  Mother;  when  she  beheld  her  ordy,  her 
dearly-loved  Son  bearing  on  His  back  the 
shame  of  the  Cross,  and  hurried  away  to  death ! 

O  how  readily  would  Thy  Blessed  Mother, . 
the  loving  ]Mary,  have  borne  for  Thee  the  gi'iev- 
ous  scandal  of  the  Cross ;  and,  if  it  could  have 
been  permitted,  how  gladly  would  she  have  died 
in  Thy  stead,  had  she  deemed  it  acceptable  to 
Thee! 

But  that  which  in  her  earthly  body  she  was 
neither  al)le  nor  permitted  to  bear,  she  bore 
most  completely  in  the  depths  of  her  soul.     For 


122      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

she,  who  has  loved  most  fervently,  suffers  most 
fully,  is  afflicted  more  severely,  yea,  and  with 
Thee  more  truly  bears  the  Cross. 

For  into  the  heart  of  no  other  did  Thy  un- 
searchable soiTow  so  penetrate,  as  into  the  lov- 
ing soul  of  Th}^  dearl}'  beloved  Mothei-,  Virgin 
of  the  piu'est  charity. 

Nor  is  it  to  be  doubted  that  Mary  Magdalene, 
Thy  most  fervent  lover,  now  almost  worn  out 
by  much  and  bitter  weeping,  would,  impelled 
by  affection,  have  in  her  turn  with  Thy  Virgin 
Mother  most  readily  seized  Thy  Cross,  and  have 
borne  it  in  Thy  stead. 

And  hence  Thine  inward  grief  was  increased 
by  various  means,  apart  from  that  which  op- 
pressed Thee  from  without,  viz.,  for  the  disper- 
sion of  Thy  disciples,  and  the  sorrow  of  Thy 
Mother ;  for  the  grave  offence  of  many,  and  the 
distrust  of  those  who  despaired  of  Thy  Resm*- 
rection.  For,  with  the  sole  exception  of  the 
glorious  Virgin,  the  faith  of  others  wavered,  or 
was  to  all  appearance  extinct. 

O  religious  disciple  of  Christ,  do  thou  also 
hasten  to  become  a  bearer  of  the  mystical 
Cross ;  strive  to  follow  the  footsteps  of  Thy 
Redeemer,  if  thou  wouldest  secure  joys  eternal. 

Dread  not  the  short  labor  of  penitence,  nor 
desire  the  rigor  of  disciphne  to  be  relaxed ;  but 
consider  Uttle  and  hght  whatever  the  rule  of 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      123 

the  Cbiu'cli  enjuius.  Joyfully  carry  out  what- 
ever holy  obedieuce  demands. 

If  thou  deeniest  it  difficult  to  obey  every 
dh-ection,  rcuicmber,  that  for  thee  Christ  be- 
came obedient  to  more  grievous  commands, 
even  to  death  on  the  most  shameful  Cross. 

Keep,  therefore,  the  strict  nde  of  the  early 
Chm-ch.  Forsake  not  a  path  that  leads  to  a 
kingdom.  Avoid  the  softer  track,  which  is 
wont  to  entice  the  idle  to  destruction. 

Thou  didst  indeed  take  up  thy  Cross,  when 
thou  didst  openly  declare  on  the  side  of  Christ. 
Thou  didst  take  it  up  in  good  truth,  when  thou 
didst  go  apart  from  the  world  to  devote  thyself 
to  Jesus. 

In  religion,  to  Hve  nobly  and  righteously,  is 
to  imitate  the  Crucified  One.  GlatUy  do.st  thou 
bear  thy  Cross,  if  in  thy  station  thou  makest 
progress  fervently. 

If  thou  bearest  it  un\\dlLingly  and  with  mur- 
muring, thou  shalt  not  have  glory  with  Jesus ; 
thy  punishment  will  be  that  of  the  godless  rob- 
ber. But  if  thou  bearest  all  things  readily  and 
cheerfully ;  then,  in  a  great  degree,  thou  hast 
vanquished  the  evil  one. 

Fear  not  therefore  the  strictness  of  thy  dis- 
cipline, nor  reckon  on  a  life  of  many  days. 
The  love  of  Christ  and  the  sweetness  of  a  holy 
hfe  will  Ughten  the  burden  of  thy  labors. 


124      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ 

For  thou  hast  a  Forerunner  Who  bore  a 
harder  Hfe,  a  Leader  providing  the  noblest  ex- 
ample— Jesus  the  Son  of  God,  the  great  Patron 
of  the  Cross,  who  in  Himself  has  well  proved 
the  weight  thereof. 

Follow  therefore  the  Saviour  by  the  way  of 
the  Cross  ;  never  putting  aside  rehgion — never 
relaxing  the  purpose  of  a  zealous  disciple. 
Thus  do  and  thou  shalt  be  safe  for  ever. 

For  hadst  thou  wished  to  enjoy  the  dehghts 
of  the  world,  or  to  occupy  thyself  with  thine 
own  business  or  pleasures,  thou  couldest  cer- 
tainly have  remained  in  the  full  fling  of  this 
life.  But  now,  having  declared  for  Christ  by 
entering  on  a  life  of  holiness,  hold  firmly  to  the 
faith  thou  hast  pi-ofessed. 

Pray  Jesus  with  power  to  uphold  thee ;  for 
He,  who  formerly  moved  thee  to  begin  well, 
will  also  enable  thee  to  bring  thy  work  to  a 
happy  completion. 

O  most  beloved  Jesus,  the  Prince  of  the  Kings 
of  the  earth,  the  Ruler  of  Angels,  the  glorious 
Standard-Bearer  of  all  Christians,  who,  for  the 
salvation  and  example  of  Thy  servants,  didst 
caiTy  Thy  Cross  on  Thine  own  shoulders,  before 
the  face  of  scoffing  Jews ;  grant  that  I  may  f<jl- 
low  Thee  in  this  procession,  albeit  too  slowly. 

Forsake  me  no.t  before  the  hour  appointed 
for  mine  end,  but  lead  my  wandering  soul  from 


Me(Iifafio)is  on  f/ic  Life  of  Christ.      125 

the  body  of  sin  to  C'alvarv — the  mount  of 
niyiTh  and  frankincense ;  where  Thou  didst 
suffer  Crucifixion  and  Death  for  nie ;  that  there 
with  Thee  I  may  rest  beneath  tlie  Cross,  and 
thereby  be  protected. 

Grant  me  earnestly  to  begin  and  cany  on  a 
new  fervor,  and  not  to  follow  the  fickleness  of 
the  lukewarm ;  but  with  the  eyes  of  my  heart 
to  gaze  steadily  on  Thy  Cross-bearing  image, 
and  so  to  escape  the  ever-changing  curiosity  of 
the  unstable. 

Be  Thou  a  leader  in  the  narrow  way  and 
companion  in  my  progi-ess,  an  upliolder  in  my 
successes,  a  Comforter  in  adversity,  and  a  fel- 
low-laborer in  all  my  efforts  for  the  honor  of 
Tliy  Name. 

Help  me  to  bear  the  burden  and  heat  of  the 
day,  that  I  may  be  able  to  foUow  Christian  dis- 
ciphne  at  all  times,  and  in  all  holy  observances. 

Grant  me  also,  in  my  gi-eatest  troubles  and 
anxieties,  to  remember  Thy  oppressive  weari- 
ness under  the  weight  of  the  Cross ;  for  the  lit- 
tle I  bear  is  scarcely  worthy  to  be  named,  when 
I  consider  the  trying  weight  of  the  Cross  that 
was  laid  on  Thee. 

]\Iay  I,  therefore,  willingly  and  cheerfully 
bear  the  burden  of  religion  assumed  and  un- 
dertaken of  my  own  free  w^ill ;  ever  relying  on 
Thy  loving  aid.     Because,  though  for  a  short 


126      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

period,  Thou  permittedst  me  to  be  at  seasons 
hea\y  laden,  to  increase  in  me  the  gi*ace  of  hu- 
mility ;  still  dost  Thou,  in  a  fitting  time  and 
manner,  succor  me  in  Thy  gi'eat  mercy. 

Teach  me  to  keep  down  my  own  will,  to  be 
contented  with  little,  and  never  be  given  to 
wandering.  Let  my  hands  be  emploj-ed  in 
godly  labor,  and  my  heart  in  meditating  on  Thy 
Holy  Scriptures. 

May  all  my  members  serve  Thee,  all  my 
senses  be  under  strict  discipline  ;  and,  notwith- 
standing my  many  shortcomings,  vouchsafe  to 
number  me  among  the  true  bearers  of  the  Cross. 
Put  far  away  from  me  all  hurtful  knowledge  of 
worldly  matters,  and  cleanse  me  from  all  that 
is  impure. 

May  I  have  no  pleasure  in  mere  outward 
things,  nor  idly  engage  myself  in  foolish  con- 
verse. Rather  may  my  study  be  to  learn  my 
inner  heart,  and  give  myself  to  secret  sorrow- 
ing; sending  forth  sighiugs  many  for  my 
manifold  negligences  and  excesses.  May  I 
cast  from  me  all  that  hinders  my  progress  in 
virtue. 

May  I  follow  the  way  of  Thy  contemplators, 
who  know  how  to  soar  above  all  heights  with 
minds  calm  and  subdued.  May  I  constantly 
have  in  memory  Thy  Cross  so  lovingly  borne 
for  me,  and  with  a  like  step  may  I  be  moved  to 


Medifafi(»is  on  the  lAfe  of  Christ.      127 

the  love  thereof,  and  so  daily  with  meet  obe- 
dience resign  myself  to  Thy  will. 

Yes,  may  I  bear  the  burden  laid  upon  me, 
and  never  wantonly  resist  it,  until  I  shall  attain 
the  place  of  longed  for  safety  and  peace. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

ON    THE    CRUCIFIXION    OF    JESUS,    AND    ON    HIS 
HANGING   HlCm    AND    LONG   ON   THE   CROSS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks.  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  most  benign  Creator  of  man 
and  Restorer  of  his  corrupt  nature,  for  the 
shameful  denuding  Thee  before  the  Cross : 
where,  in  the  sight  of  the  whole  multitude  of 
spectators,  and  in  the  face  of  robbers  roai'ing 
for  their  prey.  Thou  wast  publicly  stripped  and 
ignominiously  unclothed. 

With  all  Thy  garments  cruelly  torn  from 
Thee  and  given  for  booty,  there  Thou  stoodest 
l)lushing  and  treml)ling,  gu-t  only  with  a  thin 
Hnen  cloth,  crowned  with  a  wreath  of  thorns 
for  a  diadem ;  a  reproach  to  all — an  outcast 
mocked.  In  a  word,  nothing  of  worldly  goods 
hadst  Thou,  but,  like  an  exile  and  poor  pilgidm, 
yea,  the  poorest  of  the  poor.  Thou  wast  destitute 
of  ever\i;hing,  void  of  every  human  comfort. 


128      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

For  as  the  first  Adam,  when  placed  in  Para- 
dise, walked,  before  his  fall,  in  naked  liberty ; 
so  didst  Thou  in  like  manner  ascend  the  Cross 
naked,  to  regain  the  lost  home 'of  peace,  from 
which  he  for  his  sin  was  cast  out  and  driven 
far,  far  away. 

In  order  that  man's  innocency  might  be  re- 
stored him,  and  he  be  clad  in  the  garment  of 
righteousness,  and  so  made  meet  for  Life  eter- 
nal, Thou  didst  suffer  Thy  clothing  to  be  taken 
from  Thee,  and  Thj'self  to  be  filled  with  sor- 
rows and  perplexities — yea,  at  last.  Thou  didst 
pay  the  penalty  of  a  most  bitter  death. 

I  praise  and  honor  Thee,  Thou  most  ardent 
lover  of  our  salvation,  for  being  rigidly  stretched 
on  the  hard  wood  of  the  Cross,  so  roughly 
placed  under  Thee  for  Thy  reception  ;  for  the 
sharp  piercing  of  Thj^  hands  and  feet,  and  the 
driving  in  of  the  thick  nails ;  the  sound  of 
which  could  be  heard  far  and  wide,  and  so  move 
to  tears  the  hard  hearts  of  the  spectators. 

Alas !  alas !  so  firmly  wast  Thou  fastened  to 
the  Cross,  that  Thy  veins  suddenly  bursting, 
broad  streams  of  Thy  precious  Blood  flowed 
forth  from  Thy  hands  and  Thy  feet. 

So  rigorously  also  wast  Thou  extended,  that 
all  Thy  joints  were  loosened,  and  all  Thy  bones 
could  be  distinctly  numbered. 

And  Thou  didst  allow  Thy  hands  and  Thy 


Meditafioiis  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      129 

feet  to  be  thus  pierced  l)y  the  uni>;odly ;  so  that, 
having  Thy  saci-ed  liauds  nailed  to  the  Cross, 
Thon  niightest  discharge  the  heavy  debt  of 
Adam,  who  })ut  forth  his  guilty  liands  to  the 
forbidden  tree ;  and  witli  Thy  innocent  Blood 
mightest  wipe  out  the  stain  of  long-standing 
guilt. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee  for  being  lifted  up 
on  high  on  the  Cross,  and  for  Thy  long  sus- 
pension thereon — on  the  tree  so  thorougldy 
despised ;  held  by  the  Jews  of  those  days  ac- 
cursed, but  now  honored  by  aU  Christians  above 
all  the  trees  of  the  forest. 

On  which,  for  our  salvation,  Thou  didst  hang 
some  three  hours  or  more;  working  out  the 
gi'eat  and  wondi'ous  mysteries  of  the  Cross,  to 
the  whole  world  about  to  be  so  vast  a  blessing. 

For,  indeed,  Thou  wast  exalted  from  the  earth 
that  Thou  mightest  draw  up  to  Thee  the  loving 
hearts  of  the  faithful;  lest  they  should  dally 
with  earthly  pleasures;  that  Thou  mightest 
soften  the  loving  spirits  of  the  devout  into  com- 
passion for  Thee,  and  more  ardently  iiiilame 
them  by  the  spectacle  of  the  Cross. 

Look  up  now,  O  faithful  servant  of  Jesus, 
and  with  sad  heai-t  and  mournf  id  countenance 
behold  thy  God  and  thy  Redeemer,  hanging 
between  the  lofty  arms  of  the  Cross. 

Lo,  thy  Beloved  is  naked,  and  presents  Him- 


130      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

self  to  be  seen  of  tliee.  He  stands  with  fixed 
feet,  and  awaits  thy  approach.  He  longs  for  thy 
free  access ;  He  spreads  forth  His  most  loving 
arms ;  He  shows  His  wide  wounds ;  He  bends 
His  head  to  kiss  thee,  ready  to  receive  thee  into 
His  favor,  and  at  once  forgive  all  thy  sins. 

Come  then  boldly  to  the  Cross  of  Jesus,  lov- 
ingly touch  the  hanging  figure ;  ardently  em- 
brace, firmly  hold  and  most  devoutly  kiss  it. 
There  prostrate  thyself ;  there  lie  and  cleave 
to  the  holy  gi'ound.  Withdraw  not  from  the 
Cross,  that  at  least  thou  mayest  receive  one 
drop  of  the  ebbing  Blood  of  Clirist;  or  hear 
the  words  He  utters  therefrom ;  or  be  nigh  unto 
Him  in  His  last  agony. 

May  the  earth,  which  received  the  dying 
Savioui',  in  like  manner  receive  thee;  and 
where  Jesus  has  been  buried,  there  also  lie  thy 
resting  place.  So  that,  being  one  with  Him  in 
spirit,  there  may  be  also  oneness  in  the  burial 
of  the  body. 

Pay  to  Him  all  due  lamentation ;  enter  the 
secret  chambers  of  thy  heart.  Let  the  Crucified 
One  find  thee  a  gi-acious  and  soiTowing  disciple, 
gi-ateful,  devout,  and  inwardly  His;  lo\dngly 
drawn  by  His  wounds,  that  all  the  world  may  be 
crucified  to  Thee,  and  thou  to  the  world ;  that 
Christ  alone  be  life  to  thee,  and  to  die  to  Him 
thy  gi-eatest  gain. 


Meditations  on  t/u    Life  of  Christ.      131 

Far  be  it  from  thee  to  glory,  save  in  the 
Cross  of  thy  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Far  be  it  from 
thee  to  tnist  iu  thine  own  merits,  because,  on 
the  Cross  of  Christ  alone,  depends  thy  salvation 
and  redemption,  and  in  Him  thou  shouldest 
most  firmly  place  thy  every  hope. 

Through  Him  also  is  given  unto  thee  remis- 
sion of  sins  ;  from  Wliom  flows  the  rich  stream 
of  merits ;  with  WTiom  are  the  rewards  of  the 
righteous,  every  man  being  recompensed  ac- 
cording to  his  works.  * 

Study,  therefore,  from  the  example  of  Christ 
Cnieified,  to  cast  aside  the-  bm-den  of  earthly 
things ;  to  AA^thdraw  thy  heart  from  all  that  is 
hurtful  to  its  inward  liberty ;  to  remove  far 
from  thee  all  the  vain  fancies  of  passion  and 
the  cares  of  the  world  ;  and  to  be  exercised  in 
pm-e  and  naked  truth. 

That  thou  mayest  be  able  openly  and  simply 
to  imitate  the  naked  Jesus,  by  despising  thyself 
and  all  transitory  things ;  to  become  thyself  a 
jiowerful  and  fitting  ascender  of  the  Cross; 
bearing,  through  the  burning  love  of  the  suffer- 
ing Redeemer,  the  insults  and  slanders  of  men. 

Learn  to  rejoice  when  thou  art  set  at  nought 
and  degi-aded.  Grieve  that  it  should  happen 
to  thee  through  the  base  doings  of  others ;  and 
pray  the  more,  that  all  may  be  brought  to  a 
better  mind. 


132      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Esteem  thyself  worthy  of  all  contempt,  and 
earnestly  yearn  for  the  salvation  of  those  that 
oppose  thee. 

Put  no  gi'eat  confidence  in  man.  Few  are 
faitliful  in  the  hom*  of  trial,  and  fii'm  friends 
are  rare  indeed. 

Be  not  astonished  thereat,  nor  let  it  grieve 
thee;  for  Christ  was  deserted  by  His  friends; 
and  of  enemies  had  He  a  multitude.  He,  who 
was  ever  doing  good,  received  in  return  the 
ba'feest  ingratitude. 

Trust  in  thy  crucified  Guide  and  thine  excel- 
lent Governor.  Abide  with  Him  on  the  Cross 
in  the  day  of  tribulation,  and  thou  shalt  obtain 
favor  and  victory  over  all  that  oppress  thee. 

With  humility  and  devout  penitence  prepare 
a  place  for  Him,  and  open  a  way  for  the  grace 
of  God;  that  thou  mayest  take  a  comforting 
delight  in  the  pains  and  wounds  of  Jesus ;  and 
taste  how  sweet  it  is  to  suffer  reproach,  and  be 
of  no  reputation  for  the  sake  of  His  holy  Name. 

Choose  to  retu'e  within  thyself,  to  cut  off 
from  thee  all  causes  of  distraction,  to  seek  com- 
fort in  the  Cross,  to  resist  sensuahty,  to  beware 
of  that  which  stands  between  thee  and  Christ, 
not  to  break  out  hastily  into  idle  words  and 
deeds,  to  be  silent  in  matters  that  concern  thee 
not,  and  carefully  to  preserve  all  inward  holi- 
ness. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      133 

For  it  ill  becomes  one,  dedicated  to  the  Pas- 
sion, to  be  carried  into  wild  laughter ;  and  it  is 
against  the  life  of  a  follower  of  Chi'ist,  to  walk 
his  daily  course  without  a  serious  bearing. 

All  these  things  are  leanit  in  the  Passion  of 
the  Crucified  One,  and  blessed  is  he  who  has 
founded  his  daily  doings  thereon.  For  he  shall 
advance  spu-itually  fai"  beyond  others,  his  asso- 
ciates ;  and  he  shall  eat  of  the  fruits  of  the  tree 
of  Life,  and  rejoice  in  them  for  ever. 

Look,  O  most  holy  Father,  on  the  face  of  Thy 
Chi'ist,  hanging  on  the  Cross  for  me.  Moved 
by  the  glorious  merits  of  Thine  Only-begotten 
Son,  pierced  through  wdth  nails  and  smeared 
with  purple  blood,  be  merciful  unto  me,  bound 
as  I  am  with  the  many  chains  of  my  sins. 

He  was  wounded  to  cleanse  me  from  my  sins. 
He  will  make  satisfaction  to  Thee  for  aU.  For 
me  He  will  make  answer  to  Thee. 

I  present  Him  as  my  hostage ;  I  choose  Him 
as  my  advocate ;  I  interpose  Him  as  my  medi- 
ator ;  I  leave  Him  as  the  defender  of  my  cause. 

He  wiU  make  good  every  loss.  He,  the 
blessed  and  sacred  fruit  of  the  Vu-gin's  womb, 
will  make  full  satisfaction  for  all  offences  com- 
mitted. 

Whom  Thou,  O  most  merciful  Father,  wilt 
hear  with  wondrous  sweetness,  and  that  readily, 
because  of  His  very  great  love  and  singular 


134      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

reverence.  And  this  for  my  eternal  salvation, 
and  that  1  may  have  hope  and  comfort  uphold- 
ing me  in  tliis  life — and  necessary  also  after 
death. 

0  good  and  holy  Jesus,  Son  of  God  Elect, 
Who,  at  the  mandate  of  Thy  Father,  didst  deign 
to  take  the  substance  of  our  flesh  without  spot 
of  sin,  and  to  offer  the  same  on  the  Altar  of 
the  Cross  for  the  redemption  of  the  world ;  have 
mercy  on  me  Thy  servant,  pleading  for  pardon 
and  grace. 

For  Thy  great  goodness'  sake,  and  for  the  in- 
finite merits  of  Thy  Passion,  remit  unto  me  all 
my  sins,  recent  or  of  old,  whether  wilfully  or  in 
ignorance  committed  against  Thee. 

For  Thy  merits  exceed  the  wickedness  of  all 
men ;  and  greater  far  is  the  plenteousness  of 
Thy  propitiation,  than  all  my  iniquities,  however 
frequently  perpetrated. 

To  Thee,  therefore,  under  the  protection  of 
Thy  Cross  do  I  fly,  putting  my  confidence  in 
this  Thy  more  abundant  mercy ;  to  Thee  do  I 
sigh  from  the  very  depths  of  my  heart,  seeking 
the  perfect  remedy  of  my  salvation. 

1  reverence  the  standard  of  Thy  holy  Cross. 
I  kiss  the  very  path  thereof ;  I  implore  comfort 
from  Thy  Passion. 

Hear  me  in  my  misery,  receive  Thy  fugitive, 
heal  the  contrite  of  heart,  justify  the  sinner.     I 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      135 

will  not  leave  Thee  nor  depart  from  Thee,  until 
I  am  received  into  Thy  favor. 

1  beseech  Thee,  Lord  Jesus,  Thou  Crucified 
One,  cleanse  my  heart  from  aU  that  is  worldly ; 
di-aw  me  upwards  by  Thy  arms  to  the  height 
of  the  Cross.  I  will  follow  Thee  whithersoever 
Thou  leadest. 

Gladly  with  Thee  am  I  poor  and  naked,  in 
the  world  an  exile  and  unknown ;  like  unto 
Thee  and  near  to  Thee,  raised  above  aU  that  is 
earthly. 

Transfix  my  flesh  with  a  dread  of  Thee,  lest 
I  yifld  to  lust.  Pierce  my  hands  lest  I  gi'ow 
listless  through  idleness.  Fasten  my  feet  that  I 
may  remain  steadfast  with  fii-mness  of  pui-pose, 
and  bra^'ely  for  Thee  bear  sorrows  and  labors. 

Let  Thy  nails  penetrate  the  very  centre  of 
my  heart,  and  crucify  me  with  a  salutary 
wound ;  that,  moved  by  the  deepest  contrition, 
1  may  be  whoUy  dissolved  into  tears,  and  lose 
myself  under  the  influence  of  love. 

Quicken  my  grief,  increase  my  devotion  ;  let 
nothing  be  sweet  to  me,  nothing  firmly  fixed 
in  my  heart,  save  Jesus  Cluist  and  Him  cruci- 
fied. 


136      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

ON  THE  WOUNDS  OF  JESUS,  AND  THE  SHEDDING 
HIS    PREC;iOUS    BLOOD. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  a^^thor  of  onr  salvation,  most  gra- 
cious bestower  of  pardon,  and  most  patient  en- 
dui'er  of  human  depi'avity,  for  all  the  pains  and 
every  stripe  and  bloody  wound  bitterly  inflicted 
on  Thy  most  noble  and  tender  Body — so  that, 
from  the  sole  of  the  foot  to  the  crown  of  the 
head,  there  was  no  place  free  from  pains  and 
blows ;  everywhere  a  swelling  lash,  or  a  doleful 
wound,  or  wai-m  purple  blood  flowing  over  Thy 
whole  Body. 

I  laud  and  give  Thee  glory  with  my  most  de- 
vout and  entire  veneration,  and  with  my  inward 
mind  prostrate  before  Thee,  for  that  abundant 
effusion  of  Thy  most  precious  Blood  from  Thy 
five  sacred  wounds,  and  from  all  the  seams 
greater  and  lesser  bleeding  and  dropping  a  life- 
giving  stream  ;  more  precious  than  any  balsam, 
for  the  effectual  curing  of  our  sins. 

Ah !  most  meek  Jesus,  how  terribly  wast 
Thou  racked  and  pierced  by  the  cruel  ministers 
of  death — ^yea,  to  such  a  degree,  that  all  Thy 


Medltatiotis  on  the  Life  of  (lirisf.      ]?u 

bodily  stiviif^th  exhausted — Thy  veiy  veins 
widely  opened — not  one  small  drop  of  blood 
remained  within  Thee.  Whatever  of  the  sacred 
stream  Thou,  living  or  dpng,  hadst  hidden 
within,  all  went  forth  for  the  merciful  benefit 
of  our  souls — the  price  of  our  salvation. 

0  tlie  five  precious  wounds  !  special  pledges 
of  perfect  love,  full  of  heavenly  sweetness; 
whence  the  sinner  takes  good  courage,  and  so, 
though  his  conscience  accuses  him,  he  despairs 
not. 

In  these  are  the  medicine  of  life,  abundance 
of  grace,  fidness  of  pardon,  boundless  mercy, 
the  gate  of  promised  glory. 

Whatever  blemish  I  contract,  whatever  sins 
of  the  flesh  I  commit,  in  these  five  fountains  I 
wash  myself  clean ;  I  purify  myself,  and  before 
God  stand  faultless. 

1  praise  and  honor  Thee,  O  Christ,  Thou  only 
and  beloved  Bridegroom  of  Thy  Holy  Church, 
for  Thine  inestimable  love,  through  which  Thou 
didst  vou(ihsafe  to  redeem  my  soul  in  the  Blood 
of  Thy  Testament  from  the  bond  of  original 
transgression,  to  cleanse  it  from  all  sin,  to  en- 
ricli  and  adorn  it  -with  the  merits  of  Thy  right- 
eousness ;  that  it  might  worthily  be  joined  and 
imited  to  Thee,  made  holy  now  through  grace, 
and  hereafter,  in  Thy  bright  kingdom,  be  with 
glory  blessed. 


138      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Here  observe  diligently,  O  faithful  soul,  be- 
hold with  how  great  and  noble  a  price  He  has 
redeemed  thee,  Who  of  His  own  free  goodness 
created  thee  after  His  own  image  and  simili- 
tude! 

For  thou,  who,  of  thine  own  j^erverse  will, 
hast  wickedly  cast  thyself  away,  wast  not  re- 
deemed from  the  guilt  of  disobedience  and  the 
commission  of  many  offences  with  corruptible 
things — silver  and  gold ;  but  with  the  precious 
Blood  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  Lamb  Immacu- 
late. 

Wlio  not  onl}'  on  the  Cross  poured  out  His 
Blood  for  thy  cleansing,  but  has  also  in  the 
Cup  left  the  same  for  thee  to  drink ;  to  receive 
it  with  faithful  devotion  in  the  Communion  of 
the  Sacrament ;  whereby  the  daUy  sins  of  the 
penitent  are  thoroughly  cleansed  and  blotted 
out. 

Alas !  of  how  great  punishment  will  he  be 
thought  worthy,  who  shall  count  the  Blood  of 
the  Covenant  of  the  Son  of  God  an  unholy 
thing,  and  shall  not  pay  due  thanks  for  the 
wounds  of  Christ  Cracified. 

Study  then  to  show  thy  thankfulness  to  such 
a  lover,  to  so  bountiful  a  benefactor ;  if  it  only 
be  by  a  short  prayer,  or  a  devout  meditation,  at 
some  moment  of  the  day,  or  in  the  night  season. 

Many  of  the  faithful,  inflamed  by  the  fii'e  of 


Me(litati(»is  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      139 

His  love,  have  with  a  holy  eagerness  shed  their 
blood  for  Hun. 

More  also,  for  the  Cup  of  His  Blood,  have 
luinibly  offered  the  waters  of  a  bitter  contri- 
tion ;  by  a  fellowshi])  with  His  sutTerings 
through  the  trying  paths  of  penitence. 

Learn  thou,  also,  fi'oni  such  examjJes  to 
crucify  thy  flesh  ^v^th  the  affections  and  lusts 
thereof,  manfully  to  resist  temptations,  and  to 
cany  even  unto  death  the  yoke  of  a  willing 
obedience ;  and  if  not  called  to  a  martp-dom  of 
blood,  to  offer  up  on  the  altar  of  thine  heart  to 
Christ,  the  Redeemer,  the  sacrifice  of  a  contrite 
spirit ;  to  have  well  in  mind  the  benefits  that 
spring  from  the  Cross ;  and  in  the  deep  wounds 
of  Jesus,  as  in  the  clefts  of  a  rock,  to  seek  a 
place  of  refuge  from  the  enemy  and  the  avenger. 

Succor  me,  O  most  gracious  Jesus,  in  eveiy 
necessity  and  hardship  of  the  struggle.  Stretch 
forth  Thint'  hands  over  me,  and  with  Thy  right 
hand  ever  protect  me. 

Grant  me  devotion  in  my  heart,  truth  in  my 
mouth,  ^'irtue  in  my  deeds.  Purge  me  from  all 
corruption  and  vice ;  heal  ray  wounds  by  Thy 
precious  Blood. 

Let  nothing  impure  remain  in  me  ;  nothing 
defiled,  notliing  that  can  pollute ;  but  may  Thy 
sacred  Blood,  so  abundantly  shed,  cleanse  me 
from  all  that  is  hurtf id.  and  sanctif v  me  wholly ; 


140      Meditations  on  the   Life  of  Christ. 

that,  at  the  eoniiug  of  the  last  Judgment,  my 
whole  spirit  and  soul,  for  whose  dehverance 
Thou  didst  endiu'e  so  many  grievous  punish- 
ments, and  expend  the  wealth  of  an  inexliausti- 
ble  treasmy,  may  be  presented  unto  Thee,  my 
Creator,  pure  and  holy. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

ON    THE    TENDER    PLEADING    OF    JESUS    FOR    HIS 
ENEjNHES. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  fountain  of  piety  and  sweet- 
ness, for  Thy  most  perfect  love  and  most  de- 
vout supphcation  for  Thine  enemies,  and  for 
those  who  crucified  Thee.  With  hands  stretched 
out  on  the  Cross,  Thou  didst  earnestly  plead  for 
them,  securing  their  pardon  and  tenderly  excus- 
ing their  transgressions,  thus  saying,  "■  Father, 
forgive  them,  for  they  know  not  what  they 
do." 

O  utterance  full  of  tenderness  and  grace, 
fitted  well  to  soften  the  hard  heart  of  every  sin- 
ner, and  to  bring  him  to  repentance  ! 

O  most  gentle  Jesus,  how  wiUing  art  Thou  to 
forgive,  how  ready  to  be  appeased,  how  abun- 
dant in  mercy ! 


Meditations  on  the  Lifr  of  Christ.      141 

How  plenteous  is  Thy  gentleness,  O  Lord, 
to  all  that  love  Thee  !  Thou,  who  didst  show 
Thyself  so  gi-acious  to  Thy  furious  enemies. 
For,  when  hangin<!:  on  the  lofty  Cross,  Thou 
wast  not  moved  with  indignation  against  them 
that  crueiiied  Thee,  to  avenge  Thyself  of  Thy 
tormentors. 

Neither  didst  Thou  pray  that  the  earth  might 
swallow  up  those  workers  of  maliee ;  or  that 
fire,  eoming  down  from  heaven,  might  consume 
the  wicked  doers ;  but  didst  shed  over  Thy  most 
cruel  enemies,  as  a  refreshing  dew,  the  sweetest 
words  of  love,  ''  Father,  forgive  them." 

In  this  appeared  Thy  super-eminent  charity, 
together  \sith  Tliine  ineffable  meekness ;  which 
coidd  neither  be  subdued,  nor  cease  from  sup- 
pUant  prayer. 

They  cried  out,  "  Crucify  !  Crucify  !  "  Thou, 
in  response,  sayest,  "Father,  forgive."  They 
drive  in  the  rough  nails,  and  Thou  excusest 
their  infamous  excesses,  saying,  "The}'  know 
not  what  they  do."  How  marvellous  is  Thy 
goodness,  O  Christ ! 

But,  alas !  for  the  frowardness  of  the  obsti- 
nate people,  who  are  not  moved  to  compunction 
by  words  so  full  of  compassion.  Therefore 
didst  Thou  grieve  more  for  their  bhnd  iniquity 
than  for  any  injury  done  to  Thee — the  commis- 
sion of  such  great  ■^'iekedness  pained  Thee  more 


142      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

thau  all  the  tortui'e  proceediug  from  the  many 
wounds  inflieted  on  Thee. 

They  did  all  the  evil  in  their  power.  Thou, 
in  retiu'U,  didst  render  them  aU  possible  good. 
Therefore,  was  it  most  loving  and  generous  of 
Thee  to  plead  for  men  so  vile ;  that  they  might 
be  converted  from  impious  ways,  and  confess 
that  Thou,  the  very  Son  of  God,  wast  come  in 
the  flesh. 

And  thus  are  fulfilled  the  memorable  words 
of  Isaiah,  which  he,  as  Prophet,  most  truly  fore- 
tells of  Thee  :  "And  He  bare  the  sins  of  many, 
and  made  intercession  for  the  transgi-essors," 
that  they  should  not  perish. 

Wlio  now  shall  despair  of  pardon,  seeing  that 
they,  who  crucified  the  very  Pi-ince  of  pardon, 
found  so  great  compassion  f 

Do  not  thou  then,  my  soul,  despair,  though 
guilty  of  many  offences.  Although  entangled 
in  various  passions  and  assailed  with  tempta- 
tions, thou  hast  still,  0  WTetched  one,  a  hope  of 
life.  The  bowels  of  mercy  are  open,  and  the 
Cross,  the  nails,  the  spear,  and  aU  the  blood- 
stained wounds  of  Jesus,  arc  witnesses  thereto. 

Enter,  enter,  the  deep  punctures  of  the  Cruci- 
fied Redeemer ;  kiss  the  marks  of  His  stripes ; 
lay  hold  of  the  tree  of  life  with  devoted  arms ; 
hold  fast  the  most  certain  pledge  of  thy  salva- 
tion— Jesus  hanging  on  the  Cross. 


MciJitatiomi  on   fJic   Life  of  Christ.      143 

Adore  Him  with  a  devout  mind,  commit  tliy- 
self  to  Him  iu  all  faith,  to  Him  resign  thy.self 
wholly.  For  He,  "who  was  so  gracious  unto  His 
adviM-saries,  will  l)e  moi-e  favorable  far  to  thee, 
weeping  over  thiue  iniquities. 

Stni,  if  thou  "wouldest  be  readily  heard ;  if 
thou  desirest  to  find  favor  in  tlie  siglit  of  thy 
Redeemer,  and  to  receive  the  fulness  of  His 
mercy;  do  thou  also,  with  thy  whole  heart, 
freely  forgive  tliy  brother  hi.s  tres])asses. 

Forgive  him  in  his  few  things,  that  God  may 
pardon  thee  in  many ;  and  pray  for  his  salva- 
tion as  earnestly  as  for  thin*^  own.  So  doing, 
thou  shalt  find  favor ;  by  imitating  Jesus  thou 
shalt  become  a  son  indeed  of  the  Most  High ; 
for  His  command  is,  "  Love  thine  enemies,  pray 
for  them  that  persecute  thee." 

Moreover,  if,  when  suffering  unjustly,  thou 
learnest  to  forgive  aU  injuries,  and  pourest 
forth  an  earnest  praj'cr  for  thy  debtors,  then 
layest  thou  up  for  thyself  great  boldness  in  the 
day  of  thy  departure. 

This  holy  pleading  for  enemies  has  beatified 
the  Apostles  in  glory,  consecrated  Mart\Ts,  en- 
noliled  Confessors,  adorned  Virgins,  made  all 
tlie  Saints  conformable  to  Christ,  rendering 
them  meet  for  life  eternal. 

I  pray  Thee,  most  gracious  Lord  Jesus,  who 
didst  condescend,  out  of  Thy  tender  compassion, 


144      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

to  plead  for  Thine  enemies ;  that  Thou  would- 
est,  with  like  fervent  love,  entreat  the  Father 
for  me  also ;  that  He  wonld  vouchsafe  me  full 
pardon  of  aU  my  sins,  and  graciously  absolve 
me  from  tlie  punishments  in  which  they  so 
justly  involve  me. 

Grant  me  a  good  and  sure  confidence  in  Thy 
clemency,  not  to  faU  into  despau*  on  account  of 
the  magnitude  of  mine  offences ;  but  in  full  faith 
to  remember,  that  Thou  camest  into  this  world 
to  save  sinners — that  it  was  Thy  will  to  suffer, 
to  be  crucified,  to  die  for  the  ungodly. 

May,  therefore.  Thy  devout  supplication, 
poured  forth  on  the  Cross  for  Thine  enemies, 
avail  to  the  salvation  of  my  soul ;  and  through 
it  grant  me  a  lively  hope  of  pardon,  that  what, 
by  my  own  merits  I  can  by  no  means  acquire, 
I  may  be  counted  worthy  to  obtain,  through 
Thy  most  hoty  intercession. 

Give  me  grace  boldly  and  safely  to  take  ref- 
uge under  the  shadow  of  Thy  wings,  and,  by 
the  invincible  standard  of  the  holy  Cross,  keep 
me,  I  pray  Thee,  from  all  fear  of  the  old  enemy. 

Spread  out  widely  over  me,  I  beseech  Thee, 
the  branches  of  Thine  arms ;  that,  fleeing  to 
Thy  Cross,  my  poor  son'owf ul  soul,  whenever 
summoned  from  this  world,  may  neither  fear 
nor  despair. 

And  do  Thou.  0  tender  and  compassionate 


Meditatious  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      145 

Lord  Jesus,  receive  me,  a  miserable  sinner,  call- 
ing to  Thee ;  trusting  nothing  to  ray  own  do- 
ings, but  to  Thy  exceeding  great  mercy. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

ON  THE  STRIPPING  OFF  AND  DIVIDING  THE  GAR- 
MENTS  OF   JESUS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Chi-ist,  Creator  of  all  things,  and  Giver  of 
all  good,  for  the  \'iolent  plundering  and  insult- 
ing di\dsion  of  Thy  garments ;  when,  immedi- 
ately after  the  cruel  fastening  to  the  Cross, 
Thou  wast  roughly  robbed  of  Thy  clothing; 
and  even  so  reduced  to  the  last  farthing  and 
disinherited,  that  Thou  couldest  not  retain  even 
a  remnant  to  cover  Thee. 

Nor  couldest  Thou  discern  that  a  little  Unen 
was  left  Thee ;  in  which  Thou  couldest,  when 
dead,  be  swathed  and  decently  buried. 

For,  if  Thou  wert  not  to  be  buried  naked,  it 
was  necessary  that  fine  linen  should  be  bought 
at  the  charges  of  others,  and  out  of  charity  pre- 
sented to  Thee,  as  to  one  poor  and  destitute. 

O  the  too  greedy  coveting  of  the  soldiers — 
soldiers,  no,  rather  say  an  ignoble  rabble  ! 

O  the  shameless  rapacity  of  the  base  guards ! 


146      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Clmst. 

who  blushed  not  with  sacrilegious  greed  to  tear 
off  the  scanty  property  of  Jesus ;  gi-atif  ying  their 
insatiable  avarice,  by  taking  as  booty  the  hum- 
ble attire  of  the  Crucified  One. 

For,  dividing  the  garments  among  them  into 
four  parts,  they  assigned  his  share  to  each  sol- 
dier— the  seamless  coat  alone  remaining  untorn. 
For  it  they  cast  lots,  because  to  cut  it  up  would 
be  to  destroy  its  texture. 

Alas,  most  wretched  plunderers  and  cruel 
exactors,  who  had  no  pity  on  Jesus  hanging  on 
the  Cross,  poor  and  naked:  they  neither  re- 
turned Him  some  small  remnant,  nor  indeed 
did  they  leave  the  hem  of  His  garment,  as  a 
comforting  memorial  to  His  son-owing  Mother. 

No,  none  of  these  things  did  they,  for,  moved 
by  the  devil,  and  fearless  of  a  Judgment  to  come, 
they  carried  out  their  awful  sacrilege. 

O  my  most  dear  Jesus,  Thou  neither  sayest 
nor  doest  ought  to  resist  these  things,  but  en- 
durest  all  in  silence. 

Surely  in  this  loss  of  Thine,  Thou  showest 
clearly,  how  I  should  act  when  robbed  of  things 
necessary  to  me.  For  Thy  will  is,  that  I  be 
more  ready  to  endure  worldly  losses,  than  to 
demand  debts  legally  due  to  me. 

O  that  the  Supreme  Creator  of  Heaven,  very 
God  and  very  man,  should  be  reduced  to  such 
straits !     At  His  birth  He  had  scarcely  worth- 


Me<Jit<(fions  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      147 

less  clothes  for  a  covering ;  now,  when  dying, 
He  loses  every  garment. 

Then  a  narrow  manger  bore  the  tender  limbs 
of  His  infancy;  now,  stripped  of  eveiything, 
He  has  not,  in  the  whole  world  He  created, 
where  for  a  little  He  can  rest  His  head,  save  on 
the  Cross. 

For  as  poor  and  needy  He  came  into  this 
world,  so  also  He  wished  to  leave  it  naked  and 
an  outcast.  When  born  He  was  wrapped 
tightly  in  swaddling  clothes ;  djdng  He  was 
pierced  by  nails  and  spear. 

Meditation  on  so  much  misery  sui-ely  invites 
compassion :  the  exliibition  of  so  much  endur- 
ance calls  for  imitation. 

Be  thou,  therefore,  only  the  more  patient, 
when  things  necessary  to  thee  are  taken  away ; 
yea,  even  when  things  longed  for  are  denied 
thee. 

Learn  to  do  with  few  things,  and  to  be  con- 
tent with  that  which  is  of  little  worth ;  and 
thou  shalt  be  free  from  murmuring,  very  peace- 
ful in  thy  mind,  and  acceptable  to  Almighty 
God. 

Honored,  O  Jesus,  be  Thy  seamless  coat-gar- 
ment, never  to  be  applied  to  any  worldly  use. 
Worthy  is  it  to  be  set  apart  for  the  sacred  ser- 
vice of  God  alone.  For  it  was  fitting  to  pre- 
serve it  uninjui-ed,  on  account  of  its  singular 


148      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  CJmst. 

reverence ;  and  that  it  might  commend,  through- 
out the  whole  world,  the  unity  of  the  Holy 
Catholic  Church. 

Which,  though  it  be  divided  into  regions, 
tongues,  and  dwelhngs ;  although  distinguished 
by  various  orders  and  ranks  of  life,  yet  the 
whole  body  of  the  Church  lives,  and  is  governed 
and  sustained,  under  one  Head — one  chief  Shep- 
herd ;  holding  one  Faith,  one  Baptism,  and  one 
God  in  perfect  Trinity;  having  one  Bride- 
groom, Jesus  Chi-ist,  Who  rules  in  heaven ;  and 
from  Whom  it  cannot  be  rent  asunder  by  any 
assaults  of  temptation. 

Because  Thou  indeed,  O  Lord,  hast  given  to 
the  Bride,  the  Cathohc  Church,  the  word  of 
truth,  the  light  of  knowledge,  and  the  fervency 
of  love,  as  an  impregnable  sliield  against  all 
errors — to  obtain  thereby  the  never-fading 
crown  of  life  eternal. 

O  Jesu,  the  poorest  and  the  richest  King  of 
kings.  O  Lord,  most  poor  in  being  robbed  of 
Thy  garments  and  deprived  of  Thy  friends ;  O 
Lord,  most  rich  in  the  fulness  of  gifts  spiritual ; 
gi'ant  me.  Thy  poor  servant,  out  of  the  abun- 
dance of  Thy  powers,  that  1  may  at  least  be 
perfectly  endued  with  one  virtue — never  to  be 
naked  and  ashamed  before  Thee ;  like  unto  him 
who  was  found  in  the  festive  house  without  a 
wedding  garment ;  and,  for  his  neglect  of  order, 


Mcdifdtions  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      149 

was  forthwith  di'iven  from  the  assembly  of  the 
Samts. 

Let  my  heart  be  rent  asunder  with  a  sakitary 
oonipunctiou,  when  I  call  to  mind  the  division 
of  Thy  clothing  into  four  parts.  Then  shall  I 
be  stiiTed,  either  by  the  fear  of  hell,  or  by  the 
hope  of  future  glory ;  by  sorrow  for  past  sins, 
or  by  love  of  the  gi'aee  ah-eady  received  by  me. 

And,  in  token  of  Thy  seamless  coat,  grant 
me  also,  for  inward  quiet's  sake,  to  preserve  the 
unity  of  brotherly  love  in  the  bond  of  peace ; 
to  put  from  me  all  occasion  of  quarrel ;  to  avoid 
the  noise  and  worry  of  the  world ;  and  to  ab- 
stain from  all  idle  wandering  and  fooHsh  con- 
versation. 

May  my  desire  be  to  spend  a  poor  and  hidden 
life  with  Thee ;  never  to  be  over-anxious  for 
earthly  pleasures,  nor  to  cling  to  any  property 
of  my  own ;  since  Thou  wert  uttei-ly  without 
this  world's  goods. 

But  the  little  which  Thou  seemedst  to  have 
for  Thy  simple  use,  even  that  Thou  permittedst 
by  the  spoilers  to  be  taken  away  and  wasted ; 
thereby  affording  to  all  who  suffer  WTongfuUy 
an  example  of  patience,  not  to  sori'ow  overmuch 
at  the  loss  of  then*  goods. 


150      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

ON  THE  REVILINGS  OF  THE  JEWS,  AND  THE 
ftHGHTY  PERSEVERANCE  OF  JESUS  ON  THE 
CROSS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  giory  and  joy  of  the  citizens 
of  heaven,  for  enduring,  whilst  hanging  on  the 
Cross,  all  the  reproaches  and  blasphemies  tur- 
bulently  cast  against  Thee  by  the  perfidious 
Jews. 

For  all  were  opposed  to  Thee,  from  the  great- 
est to  the  least ;  and,  like  unto  mad  dogs,  they 
ran  together  to  rend  in  pieces  Thine  innocency. 
Like  dogs,  they  barked  with  their  mouths ; 
with  their  teeth  they  gnashed,  Hke  lions ;  and 
like  sei"pents,  they  hissed  with  their  tongues. 

With  their  lips  they  cursed  Thee ;  wdth  their 
faces  they  derided  Thee ;  they  clapped  with 
their  hands,  and  leaped  with  their  feet,  and  re- 
joiced in  their  hearts.  In  that  they  saw  Thee 
fastened  to  the  Cross,  they  would  not  that  Thou 
shouldest  die,  without  the  vexation  of  these 
cruel  wrongs. 

Then,  they  who  passed  by,  like  unto  raving 
and  drunken  men,  filled  with  the  gall  of  bitter- 


Meditntions  on  the  Jjife  of  C/wisf.      151 

ness  and  the  vonom  of  en\y,  wagged  tlieii*  mad 
heads,  eiying,  "All,  Thou  that  destroyest  the 
temple  of  God  and  buildest  it  again  in  three 
days,  save  Tliyself." 

The  Chief  Priests  also  with  the  Elders  and 
Scribes,  whose  place  it  was  to  rule  the  people, 
and  who  ought  to  have  restrained  their  evil 
doings,  were  of  aU  the  most  gi'ossly  insulting. 

For,  with  proud  eye  and  neck  erect  they  stood 
opposite  the  Cross,  boldly  staring  Thee  in  the 
face ;  and,  jesting  one  witli  another,  vomited 
forth  their  vile  blasphemies,  "  He  saved  others 
(they  said),  Himself  He  cannot  save." 

For  the  di%'inely-wi-ought  miracles,  and  the 
benefits  of  healing,  compassionately  dispensed 
to  othei's — wonders  of  which  all  knew  them  to 
be  en^'ious — these  they  strove  to  e\illy  intei-pret 
and  to  disparage. 

Hence  they  urge  a  descent  from  the  Cross, 
and  falsely  declare  that  they  wish  to  believe — 
the  very  men  who  are  proved  so  often  to  have 
opposed  tnie  believers. 

For  when  greater  miracles  were  wrought  by 
Thee  they  devised  malicious  slanders  against 
Thee,  rather  than  give  faith  to  them.  They 
therefore  neither  thought  of  belie\4ng,  nor  of 
seeking  salvation.  Their  sole  object  was  to 
irritate  Thee  ^^^th  malicious  words. 

At  last,  puffed  up  with  daring  insolence,  they 


152      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

cast  forth  impious  words  against  Tliy  Godhead. 
Calling  Thee  contemptuously  the  Son  of  God, 
they  said,  "  He  trusted  in  God  that  He  would 
dehver  Him  ;  let  Hun  deliver  Him  ikjw  if  He 
wiU  have  Him ;  for  He  said,  '  I  am  the  Son  of 
God.'" 

O  most  cruel  and  hard-hearted  persecutors  of 
the  Son  of  God,  does  it  not  content  you  to  have 
committed  the  awful  crime  of  crucifixion? 
Must  ye  needs  be  guilty  of  the  still  gi-eater 
offence,  that  of  blaspheming  and  deridmg  the 
Son  of  God  f 

Alas  !  alas  !  what  do  ye  ?  Why  do  ye  sharpen 
youi-  venomous  tongues  against  one  that  is  holy 
and  innocent  ?  Wherein  hath  Christ  offended ; 
or  in  what  at  any  time  injured  you"? 

Has  He  not  done  all  things  well  ?  He  who 
made  the  deaf  to  hear,  and  the  dumb  to  speak, 
did  He  not  enhghten  your  whole  country  with 
many  glorious  signs  and  sweet  doctrines  ?  Yea, 
did  He  not  even  pray  for  His  enemies  ? 

What  evil  hath  He  merited  for  these  things  ? 
Wherefore  do  ye  render  evil  for  good — hatred 
for  love  ?  Better  far  for  you  to  weep  for  the 
expiation  of  so  great  a  crime,  than  to  laugh  in 
the  presence  of  the  Crucified.  But  grievous 
indeed  is  it,  ye  heed  not,  neither  do  ye  care  ! 

There  is  certainly  in  hardened  hearts  neither 
compassion  nor  contrition,  nor  remembrance  of 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      153 

benefits  received;  uo,  fiendish  fury,  making 
ready  sharper  taunts  and  insults,  ever  inchnes 
to  baser  deeds.  For,  when  they  could  no  longer 
persecute  Thee  with  swords  and  staves,  they 
began  to  pursue  Thee  with  the  sharper  weapons 
of  their  tongues. 

And,  in  like  manner  also,  the  soldiers,  execu- 
tioners, of  all  their  mahce,  puffed  up  with  pride 
of  ])lace  and  ignorant  of  di\dne  Law,  corrupted 
by  the  favor  and  encouragement  of  their  lead- 
ers, drawing  nearer  mocked  Thee  ;  and  offering 
\dnegar  said,  "  If  Thou  be  the  King  of  the  Jews, 
save  Thyself." 

O  foolish  soldiers !  degenerate  in  deeds  and 
morals  !  Who  has  taught  you  thus  to  soldier, 
that  ye  should  fight  against  God? 

It  is  not  the  part  of  noble  men  to  persecute 
the  godly,  to  despoil  the  poor,  to  leave  the 
spoiled  naked,  to  di\4de  clothing,  to  mock  tlie 
Crucified,  to  offer  to  the  God-man  Christ,  when 
dying,  vinegar  to  drink,  which  is  so  abhorrent 
to  all  men. 

But  still  ye  are  not  able  to  injure  Christ ;  for 
wisdom  conquers  malice,  and  the  patience  of 
Jesus  is  not  wearied  out  by  your  insults. 

The  thief  also,  placed  on  the  left  hand,  and 
obstinate  to  the  last  in  his  iniquity,  revihng, 
said,  ''  If  Thou  art  the  Christ,  save  Thyself  and 
us." 


154      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Alas  wretched  man !  he  faUs  into  an  abyss 
of  e\dls ;  and  he,  who  onght  to  have  sought 
pardon  for  his  unholy  doings,  imjiiously  in- 
sulted Thee,  from  whom  cometh  all  forgiveness. 
Wlieref  ore  the  unhappy  wretch  died  despairing, 
and  perished  most  wickedly. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee,  O  Blessed  Jesus, 
for  Thy  invincible  patience  on  the  Cross  Thou 
hadst  assumed  ;  from  which  no  reproaches,  no 
enticing  promises  would  induce  Thee  to  come 
down.  No,  not  for  one  short  moment  wouldest 
Thou  leave  that,  which  Thou  hadst  ascended  of 
Thine  own  free  will. 

For  the  place,  which  from  love  and  pity  Thou 
didst  take,  to  remain  and  to  die  there,  that 
Thou  didst  fii-mly  hold  unto  the  end ;  and  thus, 
the  work  so  salutarily  begun,  it  was  Thine  own 
desire  to  finish,  by  an  end  worthy  of  all  praise. 

Thou,  who  didst  teach  others  to  persevere  in 
a  good  work,  didst  Thyself  on  the  Cross  fii-st 
make  profession  of  obedience ;  estabhsliing  by 
Thine  own  example,  that  obedience  should  be 
steadily  observed  by  all  who  follow  Thee. 

Draw  near  now  to  the  tree  of  the  Crucified, 
thou  renouncer  of  the  world,  thou  lover  of  the 
holy  Cross,  thou  professed  follower  of  Jesus. 

Be  fii"m  and  constant  in  thy  holy  purpose. 
To  stand  steadfast  in  the  faith,  to  hve  under 
obedience,  and  to  persevere  in  disciphne,  is  the 


Medifafiovs  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      155 

work  of  Christ,  and  the  consummation  of  thy 
salvation. 

Let  no  one,  therefore,  withdraw  thee  from 
thy  eonditiou  as  a  child  of  God,  from  the  path 
of  perfection,  from  the  study  of  devout  conver- 
sation, from  the  vows  professed  by  thee  at  holy 
Baptism. 

Remember  the  words  of  the  Apostle,  that 
"  Christ  became  obedient  for  us  unto  death — 
even  the  death  of  the  Cross." 

WTiatever,  therefore,  the  world  may  promise, 
however  the  flesh  entice,  and  the  devil  sorely 
tempt;  let  friends  dissuade,  and  they  of  this 
life  scoff ;  turn  not  thou  aside — pay  no  heed, 
utterly  despise  them  all. 

Stand  firm  in  Christ,  look  upwards ;  lift  up 
thine  eyes  to  the  Crucified,  inviting-  thee  more 
fully  to  His  arms ;  promising  thee  for  thy  brief 
labor  rewards  that  never  fail. 

"  If  (He  says)  thou  shalt  suffer  with  Me,  thou 
shalt  also  reign  with  Me ;  if  thou  be  dead  with 
Me,  then  shalt  thou  also  together  with  Me  be 
glorified." 

O  Jesu  Christ,  Thou  most  devoted  and  most 
valiant  Wrestler,  Thou  most  ardent  lover  and 
consecrator  of  the  holy  Cross,  grant  me,  ha\nng 
devoted  myself  to  Thee,  to  serve  Thee  with 
an  unceasing  resolution ;  never,  grooving  weary 
through  labor,  to  relax  from  the  fervor  of  my 


156      Meclifafions  on  fJie  Life  of  Christ. 

endeavors ;  but  always  to  press  onwai-d  to  the 
things  that  are  before;  and,  with  a  steadfast 
mind,  resist  the  temptations  of  the  flesh  and  all 
assaults  of  the  soul. 

May  I  exhibit  all  patience  in  adversity,  not 
fearing  the  revilings  of  man,  nor  caring  for  his 
praises.  Tui'ning  away  the  eyes  of  my  mind 
from  things  present,  may  I  seek  a  complete 
refuge  in  Thee,  my  only  Saviour.  May  I  not, 
from  anything  dear  or  an^iihing  displeasing  to 
me,  draw  back  from  the  embrace  of  Thy  holy 
Cross ;  but  rather  under  its  protection,  as  my 
standard  and  my  device,  may  I,  in  a  spirit  of 
obedience,  bring  my  life  to  a  happy  close. 
Amen. 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 

ON   THE   WORDS  SPOKEN   TO  THE   THIEF  ON   THE 
CROSS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  supreme  and  sole  comfort  of 
sinners,  for  the  infinite  pity  and  superabundant 
mercy,  which  Thou  didst  deign  to  show  to  one 
hanging  on  a  cross  at  Thy  right  hand — he  who 
was  once  a  most  wicked  thief,  but  now  at  length 
converted  and  deeply  penitent. 

For,  no  sooner  did  he  acknowledge  his  guilt 
and  truly  repent  him  of  his  misdeeds,  than  he 


MeiUtatkms  ou  the  Life  of  Chriat.      157 

received,  from  tlie  sure  promise  of  Thy  mouth, 
remission  of  all  his  sius,  aud  eiitraneo  into 
Paradise. 

For  no  repentance  is  too  late  or  unavailing, 
where  there  is  true  contrition  and  entire  (!on- 
versiou,  O  blessed  aud  effectual  penitence,  by 
which  the  sinner  is  so  soon  deemed  worthy, 
through  Christ,  to  obtain  the  kingdom  of 
heaven ! 

For  this  penitent  thief,  and  now  blessed  Con- 
fessor, although  he  had  long  and  grievously 
offended,  still,  when  near  his  end  and  placed  in 
the  greatest  straits,  he  came  to  a  right  mind. 
Earnestly  sorrowing  over  his  past  misdoings, 
he  humbly  pleaded  for  pardon,  and  received 
abundant  mercy. 

For  he  acknowledged  his  own  guilt,  when  he 
confessed  himself  justly  condemned  to  death. 
He  had  a  zeal  indeed  for  justice,  when  he  re- 
proved his  fellow-criminal  close  at  hand  for  his 
wicked  blasphemy.  He  showed  a  feeling  of 
compassion,  when  lie  complained  that  Clu-ist 
was  crucified,  though  free  from  all  crime — 
utterly  without  fault.  He  had  a  giant  faith,  who 
despaired  not  of  the  mercy  of  Christ,  but  prayed 
to  be  rememl)ered  in  the  Kingdom  of  God. 

Therefore,  abounding  in  these  heavenly  gifts, 
to  Thee,  O  Lord  Jesu,  as  to  the  tender  Shepherd 
of  souls,  and  true  Priest,  and  most  faithful  Con- 


158      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

fessor,  fiilly  acquainted  with  the  whole  com-se 
of  his  life,  he  in  full  confidence  says,  "  O  Lord, 
remember  me  when  Thou  comest  into  Thy  king- 
dom." 

To  whom  Thou,  O  most  gracious  Jesu,  didst 
give  this  most  sweet  and  most  consoling  answer, 
"  Verily  I  say  unto  thee,  this  day  shalt  thou  be 
with  Me  in  Paradise." 

0  tridy  gracious  and  most  amiable  promise, 
lo\dngly  proceeding  from  the  mouth  of  God ; 
but  in  the  ear  of  the  contrite  sinner  how  sweetly 
sounding  in  his  time  of  conflict — in  such  an 
hour  most  powerfully  comforting  the  anxious 
and  trembling  heart ! 

O  how  confidently  can  he  now  die,  to  whom 
it  was  given  to  hear  such  a  promise  !  For  he, 
whom  the  Lord  Jesus  has  engaged  to  defend, 
in  the  evil  day  shall  not  be  afraid. 

That  which  was  denied  to  the  prayer  of  Peter 
was  granted  to  the  dying  robber.  Peter  desu*ed 
to  hnger  in  the  mount  of  contemplation,  but 
his  wish  was  not  granted.  And,  before  the 
hour  of  the  Passion,  he  would  fain  have  fol- 
lowed Jesus  in  all  His  troubles ;  but  it  was  said 
unto  him,  ''  Thou  canst  not  follow  Me  now,  but 
thou  shalt  follow  Me  afterwards." 

Peter  was  called  among  the  first  to  the 
apostleship,  but  the  robber  is  admitted  into  the 
Kingdom  before  him. 


M€ditatio)is  on  the  Life  of  CJirisf.      159 

O  how  wonderful  are  Thy  work^;,  O  Lord; 
Tliy  thoughts  are  very  deep  !  O  how  unsearch- 
able are  Thy  judgments,  how  unspeakably  gror 
eious  are  the  words  of  Thy  mouth  !  "  An  un- 
wise man  doth  not  well  consider,  and  a  fool 
will  not  understand  "  these  things. 

O  what  a  happy  hour  did  that  robber  expe- 
rience, who  was  in  mercy  permitted  to  suiter 
with  Thee,  to  die  with  Thee,  and  with  Thee  to 
go  into  Thy  Kingdom  ! 

Concerning  whom  I  find  not  any  good  thing 
he  had  ever  before  done  in  his  life ;  but  this  I 
know  full  well,  when  his  end  was  at  hand,  he, 
through  C'hi-ist,  forth^vith  pm-ged  all  liis  past 
misdeeds  by  his  humble  confession. 

Wherefore,  the  greatest  mercy  was  it  that  so 
wicked  a  man  obtained  pardon,  as  soon  as  he 
had  humbly  poured  forth  his  supplication  to 
Thee,  ''Lord  (he  said),  remember  me  when 
Thou  comest  into  Tliy  Kingdom." 

And  Thou,  O  Lord,  merciful  and  gracious, 
didst  from  Thy  Cross  at  once  hear  the  heart- 
stricken  sinner ;  comforting  his  outpom'ing  soul 
with  the  most  loving  answer,  ''Verily,  I  say 
unto  thee,  this  day  shalt  thou  be  with  Me  in 
Paradise." 

O  how  comforting  and  refreshing  to  me  to 
weigh  -with  careful  thought  the  death  of  this 
robber,  and  Thy  most  losing  reply  to  him/ 


IGU      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Not  that  I  may  .sin  with  the  greater  security,  or 
defer  my  repentance  the  longer ;  but  it  teaches 
me  that,  should  I  be  overtaken  by  any  sudden 
infii'mity,  I  need  not  despau',  when  I  have  be- 
fore me  the  speedy  conversion  of  so  wicked  a 
man ;  and  behold  him,  by  Thy  pitiful  favor, 
eternally  saved  and  restored  to  Paradise. 

For  I  shcmld,  indeed,  be  heavily  oppressed 
because  of  my  many  sins,  did  I  not  knoAV  Thy 
mercies,  O  Lord — had  I  not  heard  of  the  exam- 
ples of  penitents  loAdngly  received  by  Thee. 
For  Thou  hast  said  by  the  Prophet,  "  I  would 
not  the  death  of  a  sinner,  luit  rather  that  he 
should  be  converted  and  live ;  "  and  also  by 
Thine  own  mouth,  that  "  Grod  so  loved  the 
world,  that  He  gave  His  Only-begotten  Son, 
that  whosoever  believeth  in  Him  should  not 
perish,  but  have  everla.sting  Life."  And  again, 
"  I  am  not  come  to  call  the  righteous,  but  sin- 
ners to  repentance." 

Thou  didst  at  once  forgive  all  the  sins  of 
Mary  Magdalene,  when  at  Thy  feet  she  wept 
abundantly.  Thou  didst  again  receive  Peter 
into  Thy  favor,  seeing  that  he  poured  forth 
tears  of  bitterness,  after  having  thi-ice  denied 
Thee. 

By  the  exercise  of  Thy  mercy,  Thou  didst 
heal  those  that  were  taken  with  divers  diseases ; 
and,  Ijy  a  larger  gift  of  gi-ace,  Thou  didst  set 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      IGl 

free  those  who  were  bound  })y  very  g:i-ievous 
sins.  This,  how  manifest  was  it  with  the  adul- 
teress, whom  Tliou  didst  rescue  from  the  hands 
of  her  accusei-s,  that  she  should  not  be  stoned 
to  death. 

O  most  benign  Jesus !  my  raercifid  friend 
and  my  refuge,  my  defender,  and  my  deliverer 
from  the  anger  of  mine  enemies.  Be  Thou  gi'a- 
eious  unto  me,  and  destroy  not  my  soid  with 
the  ungodly,  for  the  redemption  of  which  Thou 
didst  willingly  endure  the  shame  of  the  Cross. 

Kemem])er  Thy  hoi}'  word  that  Thou  spakest 
to  the  thief ;  in  which,  also,  Thou  hast  left  to 
me  a  liope  that  cannot  be  moved.  O  Saviour 
of  my  life,  when  the  hour  of  my  death  draweth 
nigh,  say  Thou  to  my  soul,  "  To-day  shalt  thou 
be  with  Me  in  Paradise." 

What  more  joyous  to  be  heard,  what  more 
sweet  to  the  dying  man,  than  to  be  gladdened 
by  such  a  response,  ''  To-day  shalt  thou  be  with 
Me  in  Paradise  ? "  Remember  me,  O  Lord,  in 
Thy  Kingdom,  and  forsake  me  not  in  the  awful 
moment  of  death. 

When  my  strength  faileth,  and  my  voice  is 
silent ;  when  my  eyes  begin  to  wax  dim,  and 
my  hearing  is  dull ;  then  uphold  me,  O  good 
Jesus,  and  send  forth  Thy  holy  Angels  to  en- 
courage me  in  the  confliet ;  tliat  the  rancorous 
enemy,  craftily  assailing  at  the  last  hour,  may 


162      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

not  prevail  against  me.  That  evil  one,  who 
even  dared  to  seek  something  in  Thee,  which 
might  be  made  his;  but,  finding  nothing,  he 
departed  from  Thee  utterly  confounded. 

So  let  them  be  confounded  who  seek  to  make 
a  prey  of  my  soul ;  let  them  be  turned  backward 
and  suddenly  put  to  confusion.  But  let  my 
soul  be  glad  in  Thee,  0  Lord,  and  be  joyful 
in  Thy  salvation ;  meditating  on  Thy  gracious 
speech,  the  second  Thou  didst  utter  on  the 
Cross,  "Verily,  I  say  unto  thee,  to-day  shalt 
thou  be  with  Me  in  Paradise." 

May  this  promise,  which  is  sweeter  to  me 
because  it  was  uttered  by  Thee  on  the  Cross,  be 
often  in  my  mouth,  but  oftener  in  my  heart ! 

For  words,  uttered  by  the  mouth  of  my  cnici- 
fied  Lord,  possess  a  special  sweetness,  a  fuller 
efficacy ;  therefore  they  should  receive  the  most 
earnest  consideration — the  very  closest  medita- 
tion. 

May  I  so  live — may  I  so  study  to  serve  my 
Lord,  that,  in  the  hour  of  my  departure  from 
the  body,  I  may  be  found  in  Christ,  meet  to 
hear  from  heaven  those  words  most  sweet, 
"  This  day  shalt  thou  be  with  JMe  in  Paradise." 

O  that  Thou  mayest  say  to  Thy  sel'^^ant  those 
equally  cheering  words,  "  Well  done,  thou  good 
servant  and  faithful  in  a  little,  enter  thou  into 
the  joy  of  thy  Lord." 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      1G3 

For  then  iiotliiug-  will  be  more  precious,  noth- 
ing more  delightful,  than  to  have  led  a  good 
life ;  and  served  Thee,  O  Jesus,  faitlif ully  even 
unto  death. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

ON  THE   RE5L\RKABLE    SUPERSCRIPTION    OF    THE 
NA:ME   of  JESUS,   placed   OVER  HIS   HEAD. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Prince  of  all  power  and  King  of 
the  universe,  for  the  distinguished  Title  of  Thy 
sacred  and  blessed  Name,  f)penly  set  up  over 
the  crown  of  Thy  head. 

Which  Title,  in  the  three  most  widely-known 
languages  of  the  world,  viz.,  Hebrew,  Greek, 
and  Latin,  was  clearly  WTitten  by  I'ilate  the 
Judge,  in  form  and  words  as  follows : — "  Jesus 
of  Nazareth,  the  King  of  the  Jews." 

0  truly  distinguislied  Title,  not  devised  of 
human  skill,  but  rather  by  divine  appointment ; 
foreseen  and  fore-oi-dained  from  all  eternity  ! 

Therefore  Pilate  neither  could,  nor  ought 
he  to  wi^ite  otherwise  than  inspired  by  Thee. 
Whence  also,  in  the  excellent  wTitings  of  the 
Prophets,  expressed  in  their  owm  special  terms, 
are  found  the  words  of  this  Title,  with  their 
mystic  meaning. 


164      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Wliat,  therefore,  the  Sacred  Scripture  had 
long  before  predicted ;  what  also  common  rumor 
had  spread  abroad  in  praise  of  Thy  holy  Name ; 
this,  the  gentile  Governor,  imder  di^dne  guid- 
ance, inscribed  on  a  small  board,  to  the  pei'pet- 
ual  memory  of  Chi'ist  Cmcified, ''  Jesus  of  Naz- 
areth, the  King  of  the  Jews." 

When,  therefore,  many  of  the  Jews  had  read 
this  Title,  the  Chief  Priests,  burning  with  envy, 
could  not  endure  that,  by  such  an  inscription, 
the  glory  of  Thy  Name  should  be  proclaimed. 
With  all  their  might  they  strove  to  degrade  that 
glory ;  nay,  with  a  still  greater  folly,  they  fain 
would  destroy  Thy  life  and  Thy  Name  together. 

Therefore  was  it  they  remonstrated  with  Pi- 
late, the  Judge,  touching  so  distinguished  a 
Title,  saying,  '-Write  not.  The  King  of  the 
Jews ;  but  that  He  said,  I  am  the  King  of  the 
Jews."  For  the  Jews  were  afraid  that  they 
themselves  should  be  put  to  shame ;  that  the 
base  act  of  cruelty  should  be  charged  to  them 
— that  they  had  kiUed  the  very  king  of  their 
owm  nation. 

And  that  such  charge  might  not  be  more 
widely  spread  abroad,  the}'  sought  to  have  the 
Title  changed ;  so  that  Jesus  might  not  appear 
to  have  been  crucified  through  theii*  malice,  but 
rather  for  the  crime  of  seeking  to  be  ruler — 
daring  to  call  Himself  king,  whereas  in  the 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      1G5 

world  no  royal  dignity  had  ever  been  assumed 
by  Him. 

O  most  wicked  Jews !  It  is  not  as  ye  pretend, 
for  ye  are  in  every  respect  guilty.  Ye  are  the 
chief  murderers  of  the  Son  of  God.  Neither 
have  ye  any  excuse ;  although,  with  much  cun- 
ning, ye  seek  to  cloak  this  most  serious  crime. 

For,  in  the  presence  of  Pilate,  "  ye  denied  the 
Holy  One  and  the  Just,  and  desu'ed  a  nmrderer 
to  be  gi-anted  unto  you."  And  now  truly  ye 
have  come,  that  ye  may  mar  the  truth  of  the 
Title,  and  so  yourselves  appear  faultless. 

But  Pilate  was,  in  the  death  of  our  Lord,  far 
more  innocent  than  ye,  and  in  writing  the  Su- 
perscription more  truthfid — 3'es,  and  in  answer- 
ing your  appeal  of  en\'y  more  faithful  when  he 
said,  ''What  I  have  "UTitten,  I  have  written." 

If  you  wish  to  read,  read ;  but,  if  you  are  not 
satisfied,  you  will  not  for  one  moment  turn  me 
from  a  decision  which  I  have  once  declared. 
"  What  I  have  written,  I  have  written."  I  have 
not  set  forth  this  Title  at  your  suggestion, 
neither  vnU.  I  change  it  tlirough  your  remon- 
strance. As  I  have  appointed,  so  shall  it  re- 
main. 

God  iuspu'cd  it,  not  man.  Therefore  I  con- 
fii-m  it,  and  declare  it  true.  Xor  shall  any  one 
persuade  me  to  have  it  falsified;  but,  to  aU 
languages  and  to  aU  peoples,  I  proclaim  His 


166      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

dignity,  aud  charge  that  it  be  published,  "  Jesus 
of  Nazaretli,  the  King  of  the  Jews." 

O  noble-minded  governor !  Thou  hast  well 
written,  and  rightly  hast  thou  answered  them. 
I  commend  thee,  for  having  formed  so  beauti- 
ful and  so  sacred  a  Title  concerning  Jesus  of 
Nazareth,  and  for  having  so  boldly  refuted  the 
Jews. 

But  in  this  I  commend  thee  not :  that  thou 
didst  consent  to  the  death  of  Christ ;  for,  in  so 
doing,  thou  didst  commit  a  gi-eat  crime  indeed. 

And  now,  O  devout  disciple  of  Christ,  learn 
wisely  to  consider,  thoughtfully  to  read  over, 
and  reverently  to  utter,  the  words  of  this  sacred 
inscription.  For  reading  this  Title,  "  Jesus  of 
Nazareth,  the  King  of  the  Jews,"  availeth  much, 
when  fear  of  the  enemy  sets  in.  Yes,  study 
prayerfully  those  words,  and  thou  shalt  find 
mai-ked  support  in  the  horn-  of  terror  and  per- 
plexity. 

For,  having  invoked  the  saving  Name  of 
Jesus,  then  the  power  of  Christ  and  a  fli'm  faith 
in  God  will  not  suffer  thee  to  be  in  jeopardy. 

"  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  the  King  of  the  Jews." 
The  sweetness  of  this  most  fitting  Title  no 
words  can  fully  express,  no  mind  can  duly  con- 
template. 

Only  four  words  are  there,  yet  they  invite  the 
whole  world  to  venerate  Christ's  divine  Name. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      1(17 

Come  now,  all  ye  princes  of  the  world,  all  ye 
ti'ibes  and  peoples,  hear,  and  read,  and  say, 
''Hail,  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  King  of  the  Jews, 
who  suffered  for  the  salvation  of  all  men." 

O  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  bright  flower  of  the  Vir- 
gin Maiy,  O  glorious  8on  of  David,  the  Only- 
begotten  of  the  Most  High  Father,  vrvite  Thy 
sweet  and  excellent  Name  fii-mly  and  beauti- 
fidl}^  on  the  table  of  my  heart ;  together  with 
the  sacred  and  noble  Title  of  Thy  Passion,  con- 
taining as  it  does  the  cause  of  Thy  death  ;  that 
I  may  dihgently  look  thereon,  and  frequently 
read  it,  to  the  praise  of  Thy  venerable  Name. 

May  that  Title  be  a  cordial  comfort  to  my 
heart  in  my  day  of  distress,  a  very  present  help 
when  temi)tations  assail  me. 

May  the  evil  spirit  flee  from  me,  may  the  lust 
of  concupiscence  die  within  me,  and  aU  the 
world  be  as  bitterness  to  me,  when  I  think  or 
read  of  "Jesus  of  Nazareth,  the  King  of  the 
Jews." 

For  nothing  is  sweeter  than  Jesus,  noth- 
ing ]nore  wholesome,  nothing  more  efficacious. 
Nothing  brighter  than  the  Nazarene,  nothing 
purer,  nothing  more  holy.  Nothing  worthier 
than  the  King  of  the  Jews,  nothing  mightier, 
nothing  more  exalted. 

Therefore,  no  enemy  can  Avithstand  me,  no 
plague  infect  me,  no  calamity  overwhelm  me, 


168      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ 

when  humbly  I  call  on  Thee,  0  Jesus,  or  picture 
Thee  stretched  on  Thy  Cross ;  or  with  my  heart 
and  my  Hps  dwell  on  this  Title,  "  Jesus  of  Naz- 
areth, the  King  of  the  Jews." 

O  Jesu,  supreme^  amiable,  Thou  art  my  King 
and  my  God,  delightful  and  far  above  all  praise. 
Lovely  in  the  manger,  more  lovely  on  the  Cross, 
most  lovely  on  the  throne  of  Thy  kingdom. 

For  though  Thou  wast  crucified  through  the 
weakness  of  the  flesh,  yet  Thou  now  hvest  by 
the  power  of  God,  sitting  at  the  right  hand  of 
the  Father,  exalted  above  every  creature  for 
ever.     Amen. 


CHAPTER   XXV. 

ON  THE  CO]MPASSION  OF  THY  SORROWING 
MOTHER,  AND  THE  MUTUAL  COMMENDING  OP 
THE   BLESSED   VHIGIN   MARY   AND   ST.    JOHN. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  0  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  Comforter  of  aU  that  mourn, 
for  the  sorrowful  look,  with  which  Thou  didst 
tenderly  regard  Thy  most  beloved  Mother,  as  she 
stood  by  the  Cross,  worn  out  by  heavy  grief. 

How  great  that  sorrow  was,  Thou,  the  most 
searching  discerner  of  all  her  heart,  alone  knew- 
est  best;  for  Thou  on  earth  hadst  nothing 
dearer  than  Thy  Vii-gin  Mother,  and  nothing 


Mtdifdfiousi  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      IG9 

loved  she  more  than  Thee,  0  God,  her  Son ; 
Whom  she  knew  verily  to  be  born  of  herself, 
yet  Lord  of  all  things — yea,  her  own  Creator. 

Therefore,  seeing  Thee,  Whom  she  so  tenderly 
loved,  hanging  on  the  Cross,  lost  to  self  she 
dwelt  in  Thee.  As  if  taken  entirely  out  of  her- 
self, she  also  was,  as  it  were,  suspended  above, 
crucified  in  spii-it  to  Thee  ;  although,  with  body 
stUl  on  earth,  she  stood  clinging  to  the  Cross 
weeping. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee  for  Thy  exceeding 
great  compassion,  with  which  Thou  didst  then 
filially  condole  with  Thy  grief-worn  Mother, 
who,  in  truth,  regarded  all  Thy  sufferings  as 
her  own.  She  bewailed  Thy  several  wounds 
as  if  inflicted  on  herself.  She  endured  new  tor- 
tures as  often  as,  with  maternal  eyes,  she  beheld 
the  Blood  flowing  from  Thy  Body;  or  when 
she  heard  Thy  voice  speaking  to  herself  from 
the  Cross. 

I  praise  and  give  Thee  honor  for  the  very 
tender  address,  ^vith  which,  at  the  last.  Thou 
didst  in  few  words  console  Thy  desolate  Mother ; 
commending  her  to  Thy  much-beloved  disciple 
John,  as  to  a  most  faithful  supporter ;  associat- 
ing a  \irgin  with  one  of  \Trgin  pm-ity,  T)y  the 
indissoluble  bond  of  love,  saying,  "  Woman,  be- 
hold thy  son."  And  then  to  the  disciple,  ''  Be- 
hold thv  mother." 


170      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  CJtrist. 

O  happy  union  aud  pleasing  commendation, 
formed  and  consecrated  by  vii-ginal  innocence  ! 
For  in  those  words  Thou  didst  sliow  a  feeUng 
of  holy  care  for  the  honor  of  Thy  Mother,  in 
affording-  her  the  solace  of  a  chaste  disciple. 
In  a  certain  way,  Thou  didst  sulistitute  for  Thy- 
self another  son ;  one  suitable  to  her  pui-e  man- 
ners, and  well  fitted  to  provide  her  duly  with 
the  necessaries  of  hfe. 

For  thus  it  behoved  Thy  filial  providence  to 
do  ;  that  Thy  holy  Mother,  the  Blessed  Virgin, 
might  not  want  a  faithful  minister;  lest  she, 
who  was  at  once  to  be  deprived  of  Thy  most 
dehghtful  presence,  miglit  seem  to  be  left  lonely 
and  helpless  in  the  world,  and  a  very  stranger 
among  the  Jews. 

This  holy  arrangement  and  most  excellent 
commendation,  made  by  thy  Son,  let  it  now,  O 
Mary,  thou  loving  Mother  of  God,  be  pleasing 
indeed  to  thee.  Receive  with  grateful  feelings 
tills  disciple,  whom  Thy  Son  Jesus  has  chosen 
for  thee. 

This  is  John  the  Apostle,  elect,  and  beloved 
more  than  the  other  disciples.  In  manners 
agreeable ;  kind  in  word ;  bashful  in  counte- 
nance ;  modest  in  deportment ;  temperate  in 
food ;  homely  in  apparel ;  fit  to  administer ; 
ready  to  obey. 

This  is  the  most  beloved  disciple,  related  to 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      171 

thee  by  family ;  of  ^ood  report ;  pure  iu  mind ; 
chaste  in  body ;  acceptable  to  God ;  loved  by 
all ;  in  all  things  worthy  of  thy  companionship, 
O  Mother  of  God. 

1  know,  indeed,  that  what  has  pleased  thy 
Son  has  always  been  pleasing  to  thee,  and  does 
please  thee  ;  that  what  He  has  arranged  to  be 
done,  that  thou  most  desu-est;  for,  in  all  His 
doings.  He  sought  not  His  own  will,  but  the 
glory  of  His  Father. 

And,  therefore,  it  was,  I  doubt  not,  pleasing 
to  thee  that,  when  He  was  about  to  depart.  He 
bequeathed  John  to  thee,  to  occupy  His  place. 

Receive  now,  holy  John,  the  desii'able  treas- 
m*e  intrusted  to  thee.  Receive  the  blessed  Vii-- 
gin,  the  revered  Mother  of  Jesus,  thy  beloved 
aunt,  sister  of  thy  mother.  Till  now  the  Vir- 
gin Mary  was  called  thy  aunt  by  blood  aUiance ; 
henceforth  she  shall,  as  by  special  grace  com- 
mitted to  thy  care,  be  called  by  a  more  sacred 
order,  yea,  by  di\'ine  authority,  thy  mother. 

And  thou,  also,  who  wast  formerly,  according 
to  the  flesh,  called  the  son  of  Zebedee,  brother 
of  James  the  Great,  and  kinsman  of  the  Lord 
our  Sa\dom',  and  wast  afterwards  made  a  dis- 
ciple of  Jesus,  shalt  now  be  called  by  a  new 
name,  the  adopted  son  of  Mary,  henceforth  to 
minister  to  her  w^th  fihal  love. 

Carrj'    out,    therefore,    what     Chiist    com- 


172      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

man  (led ;  fulfil  the  order  of  lioly  comiuendation, 
and  thou  shalt  be  acceptable  to  all,  the  honored 
of  the  whole  world. 

The  most  blessed  John  did  as  Christ  on  the 
Cross  charged  him.  For,  "  from  that  hour  the 
disciple  took  her  to  his  own  home,"  where  he 
watched  over  her,  and  diligently  ministered  to 
her.  His  life  was  devoted  to  her  in  all  obedi- 
ence, as  if  she  were  his  own  mother — most  ten- 
derly he  loved  her. 

Rejoice  and  be  glad,  O  blessed  John,  for  the 
trust  committed  to  thee.  What  Christ  held 
most  dear  on  earth,  He,  in  full  confidence,  in- 
trusted to  thee.  Greatly  enriched  He  thee, 
when  He  bequeathed  to  thee  the  blessed  Mary. 

Christ  gave  to  St.  Peter  the  keys  of  the  king- 
dom of  heaven,  but  thee  He  verily  constituted 
chamberlain  of  His  own  Mother. 

It  was  said  aforetime  to  St.  Joseph  by  the 
Angel,  "  Fear  not  to  take  unto  thee  Mary,  thy 
wife ;  "  but  now  the  Lord  of  Angels  saith  unto 
thee,  ''  Behold  thy  mother." 

This  great  privilege  was  the  reward  of  thine 
abundant  vh-tues,  viz.,  utter  contempt  of  the 
world ;  devotion  to  Jesus ;  sweetness  of  man- 
ner ;  spotless  integrity ;  calmness  of  mind ; 
liberty  of  soul ;  puiity  of  conscience ;  probity 
of  life. 

Take,  therefore,  the  Mother  of  Christ  under 


Miilifdfioiis  on   fJic  JAfc  of  Christ.       17.') 

thy  cai-e,  and  an  abundance  of  gi-ace  shall  l)e 
thine.  The  Lord  of  Life  shall  open  to  thee  di- 
vine mysteries,  and  teach  thee  tlie  hidden  life ; 
thou  shalt  perceive  thingrs  wonderful,  and  h-ai-ii 
"  the  gri'eat  things  of  God." 

Dwelling  with  the  Blessed  Mary  thou  wilt  be 
very  chaste,  and  veiy  pm-e  ;  thou  wdlt  in(!rease 
in  holiness,  and  in  thy  dedication  to  all  that  is 
godly. 

Her  very  presence  is  purity,  her  discourse 
pi-udence,  her  actions  heavenly,  her  reading 
Jesus,  her  meditation  Christ,  her  contenij)lation 
God. 

Stand  now  by  the  Cross,  watch  by  the  side 
of  the  Yh-gin,  support  her  in  thine  arms  when 
fainting,  raise  her  when  sinking,  comfort  her 
in  her  tears.  Weep  thou  AAath  her  that  weeps, 
mourn  with  her  that  mourns,  go  where  she 
goes,  stay  where  she  stays,  and  abide  where  she 
dwells.  Leave  not  Mar\'  in  her  grief ;  hold  on 
thy  compassion  to  the  end. 

Then  prepare  thee  for  the  due  interment  of 
thy  d^-ing  Jesus.  Accompany  the  Mother  to 
the  place  of  biirial ;  bring  her  back  to  the  cit}' 
and  conduct  her  to  her  hoTise.  Be  thou  unto 
her  as  a  ministering  Angel,  though  in  this  case 
comforting  one  more  worthy  far  than  thyself. 

For  Christ,  we  know,  in  His  Agony  was  com- 
forted by  an  Angel.     He  needed  it  not.  yet  His 


17-1:      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Chrisf. 

will  was  that  au  inferior  should  assist  Him. 
He  did  not  repel  the  messenger  of  consolation. 
Now,  therefore,  I  humbly  beseech  Thee,  O 
Jesus,  grant  grace  to  me,  a  sinner,  that  I  may 
be  fervent  in  my  love  of  Thee ;  and  having 
well  in  my  memory  Thy  new  Commandment, 
that  we  love  one  another,  may  I  be  ever  found 
a  ready  helpei-,  to  comfort  and  uphold  the  sor- 
rowful and  afflicted. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

ON    THE    LOUD    CRY    OF    JESUS    ON    THE    CROSS: 
ELI,    ELI,    LAJMA    SABACHTHANI. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  most  loving  Son  of  love  Paternal, 
for  Thy  great  and  solitary  abandonment  on  the 
Cross ;  when,  in  Thy  dire  need,  Thou  wast  for- 
saken by  (rod  the  Father,  and  all  the  heavenly 
host,  and  also  by  all  creatures  upon  earth ;  as 
if  Thou  wert  an  alien  and  an  outcast,  no  very 
Son  of  God,  of  n(^  power,  no  strength.  Thy 
sorrow-stricken  Mother  alone  continued  by 
Thee,  with  the  disciple  commended  to  her,  and 
a  few  weak  women ;  but  that  Mother,  alas ! 
could  scarcely  say  a  single  word  to  Thee,  so 
oppressed  was  she  by  anxiety  and  grief. 


Mt(Jif<(fi()iis  on   the   Life  of  Cln-isf.      175 

I  i»raise  aiul  ^'lorify  Tliee  for  that  loud  cry, 
when,  in  the  presence  of  many  liearers,  Thou 
didst  break  forth  into  that  mournful  exclama- 
tion, sayini^:,  "My  God!  My  God!  why  hast 
Thou  forsaken  Me?" 

By  which  words,  indeed,  Thou  didst  distinctly 
dechire  the  iiuiu'nitude  of  Thy  sufferinjjrs,  and 
tlie  A\ithdrawal  of  all  comfort ;  what  Thou  didst 
endure  for  the  salvation  of  men ;  by  whom, 
notwithstandinfr,  Tliou  wast  deemed  of  no  repu- 
tation— yea,  they  dealt  A^th  Thee  as  the  basest 
of  malefactors,  utterly  unworthy  to  live. 

Consider  veiy  dilifi-ently,  O  my  soul,  the  pres- 
ent words  of  Jesus,  uttered  for  thy  special  in- 
stniction. 

Behold,  wonderful  to  relate,  how  the  Lord  of 
the  universe.  Who  has  need  of  nothing,  is  re- 
duced to  sudi  a  state  of  misery,  that  He  must 
pour  forth  His  wants  into  His  Father's  ears : 
how  He,  who  does  all  things  Mith  the  Father, 
by  the  Father  is  forsaken  ;  He,  who  upholds  all 
tliintrs  without  being  wearied,  declares  that  He 
Himself  is  hea\y  laden. 

How  He,  who  is  wont  to  console  the  sorrow- 
ful and  weak,  confesses  Himself  an  exile  and 
in  distress;  how  He,  the  arbiter  of  all  vows, 
the  ever-ready  listener  to  the  cry  of  the  poor, 
utters  the  words  of  lowly  inquir}-.  saying,  "  My 
God  !  My  God  !  why  hast  Thou  forsaken  Me  ? " 


176      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

From  the  beg:inning  of  Christ's  Passion  until 
now,  never  was  heard  so  lamentable  a  cry. 

Acknowledge,  therefore,  Tliine  own  voice,  O 
Christ,  pleading  for  me  on  Thy  Cross,  in  Thy 
suffering  flesh.  For  Thy  state  of  desertion  is 
my  consolation ;  Thy  complaint,  my  suppoi't ; 
Thy  weakness,  my  strength ;  Thy  punishment, 
the  satisfaction  for  all  my  sins  and  offences. 

Thou  art  the  heavenly  Physician,  Who,  by  a 
great  exercise  of  tender  compassion,  didst  im- 
merse Thyself  in  innumerable  sorrows  and  suf- 
ferings. 

And,  therefore,  with  the  weak  Thou  art 
weak ;  with  the  sorrowful  Thou  lamentest ; 
with  the  sinner  Thou  art  sad ;  with  the  sufferer 
of  violence  Thou  complainest ;  and,  crying  out 
in  behalf  of  Thy  weak  ones.  Thou  pleadest 
earnestly  for  their  protection. 

Wherefore  that  cry  is  the  voice  of  the  flesh 
and  of  sentiment,  not  of  murmuring  or  despair. 
The  flesh  indeed,  which  knew  not  the  taint  of 
any  sin,  feels  the  pain. 

A  body  most  innocent  suffers  the  severest 
torture,  while  the  soul  enjoys  the  most  perfect 
happiness ;  from  the  presence  of  Deity  there  is 
no  diminution  of  pain,  but  a  power  of  wonder- 
ful endurance  is  manifested,  that  the  redemp- 
tion of  man  may  be  accompHshed. 

What  believer,  hearing  these  things,  will  not 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      177 

proffer  s;yanpatlij'  ?  Wlio  so  hard  as  not  to  be 
deeply  moved  by  the  words  of  this  cry?  In 
good  truth,  the  elements,  generally  so  senseless, 
showed  mighty  signs  of  compassion. 

From  the  sixth  hovu*  untO  the  ninth  the  sun 
held  back  his  rays  of  light  from  the  earth,  re- 
fusing to  shine  on  the  unworthy,  shuddering 
at  the  injuries  done  to  his  Creator ;  grieving 
that  the  Author  of  Life  shoidd  suffer  huniLUa- 
tion  and  torture,  and  proclaiming  that  he  him- 
self could  not  behold  His  death. 

Therefore,  while  the  sun  is  mourning  and  the 
earth  trembling  with  fear,  do  thou  also,  O  ra- 
tional man,  take  up  the  moui-ning,  listen  to  the 
cry  of  Jesus,  why  He  cries,  and  what  His 
words. 

Behold,  in  His  every  tribidation  and  strait 
the  Lord  Jesus  passed  through  meek  and  pa- 
tient ;  nothing  proceeded  out  of  His  mouth  but 
sweetness  and  pity. 

To  His  Father  above  He  directs  His  prayers ; 
no  other  name  than  that  of  God  does  He  men- 
tion ;  to  His  notice  only  does  He  bring  His  des- 
olate condition.  No  solace  does  He  seek  from 
His  Mother,  no  help  does  He  ask  from  His 
fnends. 

Jesus,  therefore,  teaches  thee  how,  when  in 
great  distress,  thou  shouldest  imitate  Him .  Art 
thou  weak  in  bodv  ?     Is  thv  mind  heavv  laden 


178      Medifations  on  the  Life  of  Chrisf. 

and  weaiy  f  Art  thou  despised  by  others,  aud 
hast  thou  kjst  the  world's  good  word,  through 
poverty  or  auy  other  unfitness  f  Be  not  sad 
nor  indignant,  but  forthmth  let  this  be  thy  re- 
coui'se — make  this  thy  place  of  refreshing ;  and 
with  Jesus  despised  on  the  Cross  of  men.  and 
for  a  while  forsaken  of  the  Fathei",  take  part  in 
His  colloquy,  meditating  on  the  words  He  ut- 
tered, ''My  God!  My  God!  why  hast  Thou 
forsaken  Me  ? " 

Study,  then,  in  thy  weakness  to  show  thyself 
gentle  ;  and  ninrniur  not,  if  sometimes  thou  art 
neglected  by  thy  servants,  or  rarely  visited  by 
thy  brethren. 

Remember  the  exile  Jesus  on  the  Cross,  and 
cease  to  complain  of  some  hght  trouble.  Desire 
His  presence  with  thee.  Seek  from  Him  alone 
thy  comfort.  He  \^all  soothe  thee,  however 
desolate  thou  mayest  be. 

Hold  of  little  worth  the  world's  solace.  Be 
not  over-taken-up  with  the  love  of  friends ;  but 
rather  lift  up  thine  eyes  to  thy  crucified  Re- 
deemer, meditate  on  His  sacred  wounds.  Stand 
by  His  Cross,  and  hear  Jesus,  with  a  loud  voice, 
crying  to  the  Father. 

Therefore,  laying  aside  all  earthly  matters, 
lift  up  thy  mind  to  the  heavenly  country.  Hold 
to  God  as  thy  Father,  Jesus  as  thy  Brother,  the 
Angels  as  thy  friends,  and  aU  the  Saints  as  thy 


Mf'difdfioiis  on  fhf   Life  of  Chriaf.      179 

kinsfolk.  Thou  art  of  noble  and  high  family, 
not  in  the  descent  of  the  flesh,  but  in  the  liberty 
of  the  Spirit. 

Entrenched  within  such  defences,  thou  may- 
est,  ■with  sure  and  certain  hope,  await  the  day 
of  final  visitation,  trustini»;  in  tlie  tender  mercy 
of  the  most  gracious  Saviour. 

I  beseech  Thee,  high  and  adorable  Father  of 
Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord,  have  respect  to  the 
prayer  of  Thy  servant ;  which  I  this  day,  by  the 
hand  of  Thy  beloved  Son,  hanging  on  the  Cross, 
Inuubly  present  to  Thee. 

Grant  me  pardon  for  all  my  past  sins,  and 
hold  not  far  back  from  me  the  gift  of  heavenly 
grace.  Suffer  me  not  to  be  endangered  by 
grievous  temptations,  nor  to  be  disturbed  by 
the  sharp  goadings  of  the  passions. 

Examine  me,  Lord,  and  prove  me,  as  Thou 
knowest  to  be  best  for  me.  But  keep  my  soul, 
and  with  the  temptation  make  such  a  way  to 
escape,  that  I  may  be  able  to  bear  it.  What 
the  crafty  enemy  hath  prepared  for  the  destruc- 
tion of  my  soul,  that  turn  Thou  into  the  means 
of  my  salvation ;  and  so  produce  in  me  a  moi-e 
abundant  increase  of  grace. 

By  how  much  the  more  I  am  pressed  do-wTi 
by  troubles,  and  the  less  able  to  put  any  confi- 
dence in  men,  be  Thou  so  much  the  more 
powerfully  and  nearly  present  wdth  me.     For 


180      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Thoii,  in  my  gravest  necessity,  remainest  to  me 
a  most  faithful  Friend. 

If  I  must  be  proved  and  deprived  of  all  com- 
fort for  a  season,  then  grant  this  to  me,  that  I 
may  suif er  patiently,  and  faithfully  commit  my 
whole  bm*den  to  Thee ;  and  also,  that  I  may 
have  well  down  in  my  heart  the  remembrance 
of  this,  the  desolate  horn'  of  Jesus,  Thy  dearly 
beloved  and  most  acceptable  Son ;  Who,  when 
no  friend  was  near  to  help,  in  His  most  trying 
season,  was  mindful  of  Thee  alone. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

ON   THE  THIRST   OF    JESUS    ON   THE    CROSS,   AND 
ON   HIS    BITTER   CUP. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  0  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  fountain  of  living  water  and 
stream  of  healing  wisdom,  for  Thy  violent  thirst 
npon  the  Cross.  Then,  Thy  sacred  and  precious 
Blood  being  shed,  and  aU  the  natural  moistures, 
through  the  extreme  tortures  of  the  body,  being 
exhausted,  Thou  wert  corporally  thirsty  with 
an  oppressively  ti'ying  drought — but  even  more 
by  far  didst  Thou  thirst  with  the  ardent  desire 
for  our  salvation — yea,  as  a  very  pauper  and 
mendicant  didst  Thou  ask  for  di-ink,  saying,  "  I 
thirst." 


Medltationa  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      181 

But  to  this  small  request  no  one  took  lieed, 
no  succor  came ;  not  even  to  offer  a  cup  of  cold 
water  to  Thee,  the  Creator  of  all  waters. 

Some,  indeed,  among  the  bystanders,  on 
hearing  this,  instead  of  taking  pity  on  Thee, 
became  only  the  more  cruel.  For,  in  order  to 
satisfy  the  deadly  hatred  of  their  envenomed 
hearts,  they  forthwith  filled  a  sponge  with  vine- 
gar mingled  with  gall,  and  offered  to  Thy  sweet 
mouth  the  bitter  draught — unfit  foi'  the  very 
dogs  to  di'ink. 

I  praise  and  honor  Thee  for  Thy  most  gra- 
cious endm-ance,  in  accepting  and  tasting  this 
most  acrid  draught,  which  Thou  didst,  by  way 
of  punishment,  take  in  expiation  of  the  unlaw- 
ful pleasure  of  our  first  parents.  That  as  the 
tasting  of  the  forbidden  fi-uit  was  the  cause 
of  death,  so  the  tasting  by  Thee  of  this  bitter 
cup  might  become  to  us  the  medicine  of  sal- 
vation. 

But  woe  to  thee,  thou  godless  Jew,  a  race 
stiff-necked  and  grievously  wicked !  How 
coulJiest  thou  be  brought  to  such  iniquity,  as 
to  release  Barabbas  and  crucify  Christ  ?  How 
eouldest  thou  be  moved  to  such  madness,  as  to 
offer  -sanegar  when  drink  was  asked  ? 

Offer  that  to  the  High  Priest  or  to  the  Ruler 
of  the  people,  and  see  if  either  will  drink  it. 
What  hath  Christ  done  unto  thee,  or  wherein 


182      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

hath  Jesus  of  Nazareth  troubled  thee?  An- 
swer me,  I  pray  thee. 

Did  not  God  rain  down  mauna  on  thee  from 
heaven,  did  He  not  bring  forth  water  from  the 
hard  rock,  that  thou  mightest  have  abundance 
to  eat  and  to  drink  ? 

And  lo  !  for  the  sweet  manna  thou  dost  offer 
Him  wine  mingied  with  myrrh ;  and  for  the 
many  streams  of  water  thou  dost  not  indeed  so 
much  as  hold  out  a  single  drop  to  the  thii'sting 
Christ. 

Yet,  surely,  if  Christ  desired,  He  could  turn 
all  thy  water  into  bitterness ;  and,  when  thy 
bread  and  water  failed,  thou  wonkiest  soon  per- 
ish through  excessive  drought — fit  punishment 
for  thy  refusal  to  show  compassion. 

Moreover,  if  Christ  had  wished  to  have  a 
pleasant  draught,  the  holy  Angels  would  most 
assm-edly  have  cheerfully  and  speedily  minis- 
tered to  Him  refreshing  dew  from  heaven ; 
sweeter  far  than  earth  could  give  ;  just  as  they 
formerly  ministered  unto  Him,  when  thrice  He 
had  been  tempted  of  the  devil. 

But  He  would  not  avenge  Himself,  or  show 
any  sign  of  His  power.  On  the  contrary,  He 
exhibited  the  sign  of  patience  and  long  suffer- 
ing, that  He  might  uphold  all  professors  of 
poverty. 

And  do  thou,  therefore,  O  disciple  of  Jesus, 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      183 

take  from  this  bitter  niixtiu'e  a  remedy  against 
all  excess  of  appetite.  For,  if  thou  desu-est  to 
feast  with  Christ  in  the  Kingdom  of  His  Father, 
let  not  your  lieart  be  set  on  costly  dislies,  or  on 
cups  of  precious  wine  ;  escliew  soft  couches  and 
all  gay  apparel.  Know  thou  that  such  things 
are  contrary  to  the  vei"}^  i)ure  Life  of  Jesus,  and 
to  His  most  sad  Passion. 

But,  if  thou  hast  gone  to  excess,  either  by 
eating  too  much,  or  by  a  too  dainty  use  of  deU- 
eacies,  correct  thy  faiUng  by  daily  exercises  and 
nightly  watchings ;  often  meditating  with  sor- 
row on  the  bitter  Cup  of  Christ. 

O  Jesus,  Thou  heavenly  manna  and  most 
sweet  nectar,  \^Tio,  when  in  dire  thirst  on  the 
Cross,  Avast  offered  vinegar  and  gall  to  drink, 
and  couldest  not  obtain  one  di-op  of  water  to 
refresh  Thyself  withal ;  grant  that,  when  seated 
at  my  daily  repast.  I  may  earnestly  call  to  mind 
tliis  Thy  most  bitter  draught,  and  so  not  have 
my  thoughts  eagerly  intent  upon  food  for  my 
body,  but  rather  be  earnestly  occupied  with 
holy  meditation. 

May  I  learn,  in  Thy  fear,  to  take  only  what 
is  needed  for  my  support,  and  then  devoutly  to 
retm-n  thanks  to  Thee  for  the  blessings  be- 
stowed. Let  me  not  be  dissatisfied  with  my 
diet,  if  little  in  quantity,  or  common  in  quality ; 
yea.  may  I  deem  myself  unworthy  to  feed  on 


184      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

the  alms  of  the  poor ;  may  I  di-ead  to  be  sus- 
tained at  the  cost  of  other  men's  labors. 

Grant  that  I  may  hunger  after  the  meat  that 
perisheth  not,  but  endm'eth  unto  everlasting 
hfe.  May  I  thirst  for  the  fountain  of  Life 
eternal,  and  from  the  banquet  of  the  heavenly 
table  at  times  obtain  a  crumb  of  Living  bread, 
together  with  if  it  be  but  a  little  draught  of 
inward  savor.  Thus  shall  I  experimentally 
taste  how  sweet  is  Thy  Spirit,  O  Lord,  freely 
poured  out  on  the  children  of  grace. 


CHAPTER   XXVIII. 

ON  THE   WORD  OF  CONSUJIMATION  PRONOUNCED 
BY   THE   MOUTH    OF   JESUS. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Revealer  of  mys- 
teries and  FuLfiUer  of  the  Law  and  the 
Prophets,  I  bless  and  give  Thee  thanks  for 
Thy  perfect  accompHshment  of  the  Fathei-'s 
will,  in  this  brief  and  comforting  cry,  "  It  is 
flnislied" — words  justly  uttered  by  Thee,  im- 
mediately after  Thou  hadst  received  the  vine- 
gar, as  the  closing  of  Thy  whole  Hfe. 

As  if  Thou  hadst  openly  said  : — "  Now  is  ful- 
filled whatsoever  the  old  Law  foretold  concern- 
ing Me ;   all  that  the  sacrificial  rites  and  the 


Meditations  on  the  I  jiff  of  (lii-ist.      185 

holy  eeroinonial  worslii})  prcfigurt'd.  Now  have 
truly  come  to  puss  the  predictions  of  the  holy 
Prophets,  and  the  long  hoped-for  desires  of  the 
Fathers  of  old.  Now  is  everj-thing  that  per- 
taineth  to  the  redemption  of  man  fully  com- 
pleted. 

'•  Whatsoever  in  the  Holy  Scriptures  has  been 
promised  from  heaven,  all,  in  a  necessary  and 
becoming  manner  as  regards  place  and  time, 
has  openly  come  to  pass  and  been  brought  to  a 
fitting  end ;  and  the  few  things  that  remain 
will,  undoubtedly,  in  due  season,  be  accom- 
plished. 

"  I  have  fulfilled  the  commandment  of  My 
Father  Who  sent  Me  into  the  world ;  I  have 
finished  the  work  which  He  gave  Me  to  do. 

"  I  have  already  before  healed  the  sick,  and 
shown  clearly  the  signs  of  My  Godhead  ;  and, 
as  My  Father  has  taught  Me,  so  have  I  declared 
to  the  world.  Never  have  I  kept  back  any  prof- 
itable doctrine  from  the  ears  of  the  faithful. 

'•  For  thirty-three  years  have  I  now  sojourned 
upon  earth,  and  held  sweet  converse  with  men. 
Often  have  I  been  wearied  by  journeys,  griev- 
ously slandered  by  adversaries,  betrayed  by  a 
disciple,  deserted  by  friends,  seized  by  enemies, 
beaten  by  officials,  condemned  by  Judges,  in- 
sulted by  Chief  Priests,  and  here,  being  inno- 
cent, hanged  on  the  Cross. 


186      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

"  What  more  ought  I  to  do  that  I  have  not 
done?  What  more  ought  I  to  suffer  that  1 
have  not  suffered  ?  If  there  be  ought  wanting, 
either  as  to  doing  or  suffering,  that  I  am  ready 
to  supply  before  My  Death ;  yea,  by  My  Death 
evei-y  debt  wiJl  I  pay  to  the  full.  Tlierefore 
this  day  I  declare  all  to  be  finished. 

"  Nor  do  I  suffer  the  term  of  My  life  to  be 
further  prolonged,  but,  in  My  love,  I  lay  down 
My  hfe  for  My  sheep.  In  the  very  hour,  in 
which  I  know  that  the  first  man  incurred  ever- 
lasting death,  by  tasting  the  forbidden  tree,  I 
freely,  for  the  offences  of  sinners,  imdergo  the 
death  of  the  flesh — a  death  I  have  not  merited 
by  any  transgression  of  Mine. 

"For  the  things  concerning  Me  shall  soon 
have  an  end.  Henceforth  I  will  not  talk  much 
in  the  world,  because  I  shall  not  be  long  here, 
for  I  hasten  to  the  Father.  All  labor  shall  now 
come  to  an  end,  sorrow  and  sighing  shall  now 
flee  away,  strife  shall  cease.  There  shaU  be  no 
more  trouble — yea,  death  itself  shall  also  be  de- 
stroyed. 

"  Nothing  further  remains  to  be  done,  save  to 
commend  My  Spirit  to  My  Father,  and  to  leave 
My  Body  in  the  earth  until  the  third  day.  Of 
this  I  feel  assured,  that  loving  men,  mindful  of 
former  friendship,  will  take  that  Body  away 
with  them,  and  burv  it  in  a  new  tomb. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      187 

"  Tlieref ore,  to  show  the  ('()m])l«'tL'  fulfilmont 
of  all  rig'hteousuess  according-  to  the  Law,  aud 
to  secm-e  the  institution  of  the  new  Law,  I 
make  public,  to  all  wlio  hear  Me,  this  last  brief 
sentence,  and  say.  It  is  finished." 

O  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Thou  most  illustrious 
and  most  faithful  ]M aster,  as  Thou  sayest  and 
testifiest,  so  in  truth  it  is ;  in  Thy  words  can 
no  fault  be  found.  For  all  that  Thou  utterest 
Thou  confii'mest  by  holy  deeds,  and  showest 
Thy  doings  to  be  in  accordance  w^th  the  sure 
word  of  prophecy.  Now,  verily,  is  the  time 
that  Thou  shouldest  rest  from  all  Thy  work  on 
earth. 

And,  indeed.  Thou  O  Lord  with  the  Father 
didst,  in  the  beginning,  create  all  things,  and 
now,  together  with  the  Father,  Thou  hast  re- 
created all  tilings.  In  six  days  Thou  didst  com- 
plete the  creation  of  the  world  ;  and  now,  in  the 
sixth  age  of  the  world.  Thou  hast  completed  the 
redemption  of  man. 

On  the  sixtli  day.  Thou  didst  make  man  from 
the  dust  of  the  earth ;  aud  on  the  sixth  day 
Thou  didst  redeem  him  with  Thy  Blood.  On 
the  sixth  day  Adam  was  tempted  and  deceived 
by  Eve ;  on  tlie  sixth  day  Thou  wast  announced 
by  an  Angel  and  conceived  in  the  Virgin.  On 
the  sixth  day  man  sinned  and  lost  Paradise ;  on 
the  sixth  dav  Thou  didst  suffer  for  our  sins, 


188      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

and  the  tliief  by  Thy  mercy  recovered  Para- 
dise. 

Therefore,  in  order  that  new  things  may  cor- 
respond with  old,  and  the  last  acts  \\\i\\  the 
first,  Thy  sixth  cry  on  the  cross  was  fittingly, 
"  It  is  finished." 

Go  now,  O  Lord  Jesus,  whithersoever  Thou 
wilt,  and  retui-n  to  Thy  Father  in  heaven,  be- 
cause Thou  hast  finished  the  gi-eat  work  of 
mercy  on  earth.  Go  before  Thy  servants,  pre- 
pare for  them  the  way  to  follow  Thee  quickly. 
Open  the  gate  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,  which 
the  rashness  of  our  first  ]3arent  had  long  closed. 

Go,  visit  the  holy  Fathers  in  the  place  of  de- 
parted Spirits.  Give  light  to  them  that  sit  in 
darkness ;  break  the  power  of  the  devil ;  loosen 
the  bonds  of  the  captives;  help  the  weaiy; 
comfort  the  sorrowful ;  redeem  those  that  are 
anxiously  looking  for  Thee ;  lead  forth  Thy 
captives  from  their  prison-house  below. 

And  when  Thou  hast  led  them  forth,  and 
placed  them  with  the  Angels  in  the  high  man- 
sions of  heaven ;  then,  O  Lord,  remember  me 
in  Thy  kingdom ;  that  Thou  may  est  lead  me 
forth  from  this  bond-house,  from  this  earthly 
habitation  of  the  flesh,  from  this  my  perilous 
state,  from  this  world  of  uncertainty  and  mis- 
ery. 

Imitate  then  Christ  in  this  sentence,  thou 


Mrdifddons  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      189 

follower  of  Christ ;  cease  uot  to  labor  so  loug 
as  thou  hast  tune  aucl  strength.  What  thou 
hast  beguu,  finish;  so  that,  when  the  end  of 
thy  life  is  near  at  hand,  thou  also  niayest  say 
with  the  loving  Jesus,  "  It  is  finished." 

Wherefore,  walk  in  the  way  of  true  virtue, 
follow  righteousness,  strive  against  sin  even 
unto  death,  that  thou  mayest  lay  hold  on  eter- 
nal Life,  and  be  able  to  say,  with  the  Apostle 
Paul,  '•  I  have  fought  a  good  fight,  I  have  fin- 
ished uiy  course,  I  have  kept  the  faith." 

Thou  wilt  have  but  light  labor,  thou  wilt 
after  all  suffer  but  for  a  short  season;  soon 
thine  hour  shall  come;  and  then,  having  fin- 
ished life  in  a  little  time,  it  will  be  as  the  com- 
pletion of  a  long  period. 

O  Jesu  Christ,  brightest  and  most  perfect  ex- 
ample of  all  virtues,  and  the  endlt?ss  reward  of 
good  works ;  Thou  i-uler  of  heaven  and  earth, 
guide  me,  that,  in  all  I  do,  I  may  please  Thee ; 
pm-ify  and  enlighten  the  thoughts  of  my  heart. 

Teach  me,  to  tlie  praise  and  glory  of  Thy 
blessed  Name,  to  begin  all  my  works  humbly, 
to  continue  them  diligently,  and  to  end  them 
happily. 

Grant  that  I  may  not  become  lukewarm  be- 
fore the  time  appointed  of  the  Father;  but, 
looking  for  Life  eternal,  may  I  night  and  day 
labor  in  Thy  holy  \dneyard,  and  earnestly  strive 


190      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

in  the  school  of  heavenly  doing,  until  my  spirit 
shall  pass  from  me. 

Then,  at  the  last,  by  Thy  mercy,  after  many 
struggles  and  long  laborings,  1  may  be  able,  in 
the  hour  of  my  departm-e,  joyfuUy  to  say  with 
Thee,  "  It  is  finished." 

Render  to  me,  O  good  Jesus,  reward  for  the 
labor,  rest  for  the  fatigue,  gladness  for  the  sor- 
row, a  crowai  for  the  struggle,  glory  for  the 
shame,  blessedness  for  the  miser}'  I  have  in  this 
world  endured.  For  Thou  art,  and  hast  ever 
been,  the  final  cause  of  all  my  works,  in  tliis 
place  of  my  pilgi'image. 

Be  Thou  my  recompense  in  the  Kingdom  of 
Heaven ;  for  there  is  none  that  I  desire  hke 
imto  Thee  for  the  reward  of  my  labors,  Wlio 
art  the  blessedness  and  glory  of  aU  Thy  Saints. 


CHAPTER   XXIX. 

ON  THE  S0LE3IN  DEATH  AND  EXPIRING  OF 
JESUS,  AND  HIS  LAST  WORDS  FROM  THE 
CROSS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  Life  of  the  living,  Thou  Hope 
of  the  djing,  and  the  Salvation  of  aU  that  put 
their  trust  in  Thee,  for  Thy  departure  from  this 


Marifiifioua  on   the  Life  of  (lirisf.       101 

world  for  a  season,  and  Thj-  happy  return  to 
the  Father,  throuj^h  the  torture  of  a  dreadful 
death,  and  for  the  notable  martyrdom  on  the 
Cross. 

I  praise  and  i2:lorify  Thee  for  Thy  pallid  ap- 
pearance, when  surrendering  Thyself  to  death, 
and  for  Thy  blessed  Agonj'  m  Th}'  last  mo- 
ments ;  for  the  complete  loss  of  all  Thy 
strength,  and  for  the  penal  breaking  of  Thy 
lo%'ing  heart.  Thou  art  the  Quickener  of  all 
spirits,  3'et  Thou  fearedst  not  to  undei-go  the 
sentence  of  death,  that  Thou  mightest  open  to 
us  the  way  to  Thy  heavenly  kingdom. 

I  praise  and  give  Thee  glor}'  for  sending  on 
high  a  loud  cry  from  the  Cross,  a  cry  far  beyond 
the  power  and  manner  of  men  ;  for  the  sad  di- 
vorce and  bitter  separation  of  Thy  most  noble 
soul  from  Thy  most  loving  body ; 

For  the  most  devout  commendation  of  Thj^ 
Spirit  into  the  hands  of  the  Father;  for  the 
lowly  bending  of  Thy  sacred  thorn-crowned 
head  towards  Thy  breast,  so  worthy  of  honor 
— sign,  indeed,  of  fihal  obedience  steadily  ac- 
complished ; 

For  Thy  loving  yielding  up  of  Thy  most  holy 
Life  for  the  salvation  of  the  world,  and  for  Thy 
last  utterance  in  this  mortal  life ;  when  Thou 
didst  break  forth  into  these  words  of  pious  sup- 
phcation,  and  didst  recite  this  most  devout  ver- 


192      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

side  :  "  Father,  into  Thy  hands  I  commend  My 
Spirit."  Having  so  spoken,  Thou  didst  forth- 
with give  up  the  Ghost,  and  finish  Tliine  earthly 
pilgrimage  in  a  sweet  sleep. 

O  how  precious  and  victorious  a  death  was 
that,  which  slew  our  death,  and  restored  to  us 
eternal  Life ! 

May  therefore  Thy  Death,  O  Christ,  ever  re- 
main fixed  in  my  memoiy ;  and  in  Thy  blessed 
Death  may  I  be  mindful  also  of  mine  own ; 
lest,  when  the  end  of  my  life,  all  so  uncertain, 
shall  come  upon  me,  I  be  found  trembUng  in 
despair. 

This  is  the  hour  which,  from  Thy  conception. 
Thou  luidst  ever  before  Thee ;  towards  which 
Thou  didst  hasten  as  a  traveller  to  his  father- 
land, as  a  wise  workman  to  the  end  he  had  in 
view. 

From  the  highest  heavens,  indeed,  Thy  going 
forth  was  into  the  world,  from  the  world  even 
to  the  grave ;  and  from  the  grave  to  the  throne 
supreme  didst  Thou  retrace  Thy  steps. 

Now,  O  my  soul,  sorrow  deeply  over  the  most 
bitter  Death  of  thy  most  loving  Lord  God. 
Consider  how  Jesus  died,  and  what  the  signs  at 
His  departure. 

Behold  how  the  just  man  dies,  and  no  man 
layeth  it  to  heart;  no  one  reflects  what  and 
how  great  He  was,  save  His  poor  Mother,  who, 


Meditations  on  the  IJfr  of  Christ.      193 

with  a  few  of  His  acquaintances,  stood  liy  the 
Cross  weeping. 

For,  indeed,  she  sees  her  most  beloved  Son 
hanging  before  her.  His  Body  naked  and  bleed- 
ing ;  she  marks  the  pallor  of  death  setting  in  ; 
she  watches  Him  in  His  Agony ;  she  hears  His 
d^dng  cry. 

Sm-ely  no  marvel  is  it,  if,  on  beholding  such 
a  sight,  her  heart  was  hea\'ily  oppressed ;  if  she 
gi'ew  exceeding  pale,  and  her  very  soul  failed 
her  touching  her  Saviour,  now  in  her  very  pres- 
ence crucified  and  dead. 

And  do  thou,  therefore,  with  Mary,  draw 
near  to  the  Cross,  and  with  sorrow  meditate  on 
the  Death  of  Jesus.  Behold,  the  innocent  Jesus 
dies ;  in  nakedness  He  is  exiled ;  never  was 
man  more  miserable  than  He.  No  one  more 
beloved  of  God,  no  one  more  despised  of  men, 
than  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  cnicified  by  the  Jews ! 

]\Iark  the  return  rendered  Him  by  the  world, 
for  all  His  glorious  woi-ks  and  wonders.  He  is 
put  to  death  as  the  vilest  of  robbers.  He  dies 
the  poorest  of  all  men.  No  bed  of  down  is  His, 
He  lies  on  the  rough  wood  of  the  Cross.  No 
home,  no  roof  has  He :  nought  but  the  open 
field,  a  spot  foul  and  despised.  No  private 
chamber,  His  is  the  public  scaffold.  No  dying 
with  His  disciples  around  Him,  He  hangs  be- 
tween two  thieves.     No  comfort  of  a  Mother's 


194      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

arms  has  He,  His  sole  embrace  the  arms  of  the 
lofty  Cross. 

Beneath  Him  He  had  not  a  morsel  of  straw, 
nor  over  Him  one  single  covering  of  the  lightest 
linen.  No  piUow  was  there  for  His  head,  in  its 
stead  a  crown  of  sharp  thorns.  No  shoes  were 
on  His  feet,  no  protection  on  His  hands,  but  in 
the  place  thereof  were  iron  nails,  piercing  flesh 
and  bones. 

In  His  so  great  necessity,  not  even  a  single 
servant  had  He  ;  His  only  neighbor  an  evil-doer 
— a  base  robber,  who  loaded  Him  with  heavy 
reproaches.  No  comforter  had  He,  for  nearly 
aU  who  once  had  sat  at  meat  with  llim,  and 
they  who  had  been  His  followers.  He  found 
deserters. 

He  could  move  neither  liand  nor  foot,  nor 
could  He  change  His  position,  nor  turn  Him- 
self from  one  side  to  another,  and  so  find  some 
little  rehef  to  His  bodily  suffering. 

He  stands  fii-mly  fixed,  rigidly  extended,  in- 
tensely tortured,  straitened  on  every  side,  neg- 
lected, helpless,  unconsoled,  as  one  dead  at  the 
very  heart. 

His  tongue  alone  was  left  at  liberty  to  speak, 
that  He  might  pray  for  His  enemies ;  and  de- 
liver to  us,  from  the  pulpit  of  the  Cross,  seven 
most  salutary  utterances  against  the  seven 
deadly  sins.     But,  veiily,  His  very  tongue  was 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      195 

not  free  from  trouble,  for,  when  He  thirsted,  it 
was  w()rri<Ml  hv  gall  and  \nnegar. 

Thus,  from  the  sole  of  the  foot  even  to  the 
crowTi  of  the  head,  Jesus  is  wliolly  sunk  in  the 
waters  of  afflietion ;  and  at  the  ninth  hour, 
crying  with  a  loud  voice,  gives  up  the  ghost. 

O  what,  and  how  great  is  He,  Who,  thus  cry- 
ing aloud,  dies;  at  Whose  departure  heaven 
and  earth  mourn  ;  from  Whose  presence  death 
flees  away ! 

At  Whose  voice  the  dead  rise  again  ;  before 
Whose  face  the  gates  of  death  are  broken; 
Wliose  presence  the  evil  one  cannot  endure ; 
Whose  power  none  can  resist ;  lief  ore  Whom, 
the}-  who  ai-e  ])eneath  tremble,  they  who  are 
above  adore. 

"^^liom  Angels  serve,  and  to  Wliom  Archan- 
gels are  oliedient :  by  Whose  brightness  the 
resting  place  of  the  Fathers  is  lit  up,  the  whole 
body  of  the  Saints  is  rejoiced,  bonds  are  loos- 
ened, and  many  spoils  of  souls  set  free. 

''  Truly  this  was  the  Son  of  God,"  says  the 
Centurion.  For,  when  this  blessed  man  saw 
that  Jesus  so  cried  out  and  gave  up  the  ghost, 
he  perceived  that  the  God  In\nsible  dwelt  in 
the  human  nature;  and  forthwith  confessed 
that  He,  who  was  mocked  of  the  Jews  and 
crucified,  was  truly  the  Son  of  God. 

O,  ve  Jews,  vour  hearts  are  as  adamant,  for 


196      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

ye  are  neither  softened  by  the  punishment  of 
the  sufferer,  nor  converted  by  the  unheard-of 
wonders  at  His  Death. 

Hearken  then  ye  deaf,  mark  well  ye  blind, 
who  ask  that  a  sign  be  shown  you  from 
heaven. 

Behold,  signs  are  wrought  in  heaven  above 
and  on  the  earth  beneath ;  the  elements  of  this 
world  are  Christ's  ministers,  and  in  the  horn*  of 
His  departure  all  things  are  moved  with  com- 
passion ;  while  ye,  wretched  creatures,  laugh 
Him  to  scorn. 

For  the  sun,  refusing  to  look  down  on  His 
Death,  at  midday  becomes  dai"k ;  and  the  earth 
quakes  with  fear,  unwilling  to  bear  quietly  the 
injury  done  to  God. 

The  rocks  are  mightily  torn  asunder,  and 
with  loud  noises  mourn  for  their  Creator.  The 
veil  of  the  temple  is  rent ;  that,  by  the  taking 
away  of  the  old  veil,  the  sacred  mysteries  of 
Christ  may  be  made  manifest.  For  He  is  our 
true  Sacrifice,  that  taketh  away  the  sins  of  the 
world.  He  is  the  spotless  Lamb  of  God,  offered 
on  the  Cross  at  the  Paschal  season. 

He  is  the  true  Priest  consecrated  by  God, 
Who  offered  up  Himself  a  Sacrifice  to  the 
Father,  for  a  sweet-smelhng  savor.  He  is  the 
High  Priest,  who,  once  every  year,  enters  alone 
into  the  Holy  of  Holies,  that  He  may  plead,  not 


Meilifafioiis  on  the  lAfe  of  Christ.      197 

only  for  the  Jewish  nation,  but  for  the  salva- 
tion of  all  who  beheve  in  Him. 

This  He  truly  did  by  dying  once  for  the  hu- 
man race  in  the  end  of  the  world.  The  gi-aves 
also  were  opened,  that  the  future  Resun-ection 
of  Christ  with  many  Saints  might  be  sho^vn 
near  at  hand. 

How  many  who  had  come  together  to  the 
sight,  on  beholding  these  nm-acles,  severely  con- 
science-stricken, smote  upon  their  breasts  and 
retm-ned. 

Retm*n  thou  also,  O  my  soul,  into  thine  inner 
self,  and  mom-n  with  them  that  mourn ;  weep 
thou  with  them  that  weep  for  Christ,  lest  thou 
be  found  harder  than  the  rocks,  and  more  faith- 
less than  the  Jews. 

Blessed  are  the  tears  poured  forth  for  the 
love  of  Christ  cruciiied ;  for  it  is  godly  and 
sweet  indeed  to  weep  for  so  sweet  a  Lord. 

Tliis  is  the  great  comfort  to  a  lo^^ng  soul, 
deeply  to  gi'ieve  in  compassion  for  the  Beloved. 

Jesus  Himself  often  wept  over  the  miseries 
of  man,  and,  when  tears  failed,  out  of  His  abun- 
dant compassion,  He  poured  forth  His  Blood. 

Since  then  for  thee  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
died  on  the  Cross ;  let,  therefore,  this  world 
henceforth  be  wholly  dead  to  thee. 

Learn,  in  the  death  of  Jesus,  to  bear  in  mind 
thine  own  death,  and  strive  earnestly  to  pre- 


198      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

pare  thyself  for  it.  For  thou  kuowest  not  at 
what  time  the  Lord  cometh  ;  thou  knowest  not 
when  thy  Maker  will  take  thee  away. 

Ever  be  on  the  watch,  and  pray  that  thou 
mayest  find  a  peaceful  hour.  So  act  and  so 
speak,  as  if  this  very  day  were  thy  last. 

Learn  before  death  to  die,  that,  when  death 
does  come  to  thee,  it  be  not  thy  terror,  but  the 
gate  of  life.  Christ  is  dead  and  the  Prophets 
are  dead,  and  thou  wilt  quickly  follow  in  the 
way  of  the  Fathers. 

Still  there  is  a  great  hope,  a  very  great  com- 
fort in  the  words  of  Jesus,  when  He  says,  "  He 
that  belie veth  in  Me,  though  he  were  dead,  yet 
shall  he  hve." 

And  again,  "  He  that  heareth  My  word,  and 
belie  veth  on  Him  that  sent  Me,  hath  everlasting 
Life." 

Therefore,  make  Jesus  thy  Friend  whilst  thou 
livest ;  that,  when  thou  diest,  thou  mayest  find 
Him  propitious. 

Cast  from  thee  whatsoever  hinders  thee  from 
the  love  of  Jesus,  whatsoever  keepeth  thee  back 
from  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven. 

Beware  of  everything  that  can  defile  the  pur- 
ity of  conscience ;  forsake  whatever  may  take 
away  peace  of  mind. 

Keep  thyself  apart  from  the  world,  alone 
with  God,  intimate  with  Christ. 


Me(Ufatio7is  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      199 

Walk  -vvith  Jesus  in  the  liberty  of  the  Spirit. 
Tiike  uo  care  for  the  things  of  this  Life. 

Make  ready  for  Hiin  the  house  of  thy  mind, 
show  Him  a  large  upper  room  furnished ;  that 
with  His  disciples  He  may  keep  the  mystic 
Passover  with  thee  before  thou  diest. 

And  when  thou  beginnest  to  wax  feeble,  and 
perceivest  the  time  of  thy  call  from  this  world 
to  be  at  hand,  then  send  forth  thy  humble 
prayers  t(^  Jesus,  and  say  with  Mary  and  Mar- 
tha, ''  Lord !  behold !  he  whom  Thou  lovest  is 
sick." 

For  the  gracious  and  merciful  Jesus,  Who 
wept  at  the  grave  of  Lazarus  and  raised  him 
from  the  dead,  is  able  to  take  care  of  thee  im- 
der  every  trial :  and,  when  thou  art  dead  to 
this  world,  to  raise  thee  up  again  at  the  last 
day. 

Think  then  earnestly  and  specially  on  the 
Lord's  Supper,  how  the  lowly  Jesus  w^ashed  the 
feet  of  the  disciples ;  and,  before  His  decease, 
gave  to  them  the  comforting  mystery  of  His 
sacred  Body. 

And  do  thou,  therefore,  humbly  ask  the  Lord 
Jesus  to  wash  thee  from  the  pollution  of  all  thy 
sins ;  and  that,  by  the  spiritual  food  of  His 
most  precious  Body  and  Blood  thou  mayest  be 
sui-ely  strengthened  before  thy  departure. 

When  this  thou  hast  taken,  occupy  thyself  in 


200      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

thanksgiving-,  and  devoutly  meditate  ou  the 
sweet  words  of  His  command. 

And  then,  with  eyes  raised  heavenward,  de- 
sii-e,  from  the  depths  of  thy  sonl,  union  with 
Christ. 

After  this,  turn  thee  to  the  Passion  of  Christ, 
and  draw  therefrom  the  veiy  essence  of  com- 
fort. 

Enter,  also,  with  Jesus  and  His  disciples,  into 
the  garden  by  the  Mount  of  Olives ;  that  is,  go 
apart  from  thy  friends,  that  thou  mayest  be 
more  thoroughly  alone  with  God  in  secret,  and 
pray  to  thy  heavenly  Father  for  a  happy  end- 
ing of  thine  eai'thly  sojourn. 

Bend  thy  knees  with  Jesus,  fall  on  thy  face 
to  the  earth,  and,  resigning  thyself  into  the 
hands  of  God,  say  these  most  perfect  words  of 
Clirist:  "Father,  not  my  will,  but  Thine  be 
done."  For  He  knows  perfectly  whether'  to 
live  or  die  is  best  for  thee. 

And  also  ask  the  brethren  who  come  to  thee, 
and  all  the  faithful,  to  watch  with  thee  in 
prayer,  lest  the  wiles  of  the  enemy  disquiet 
thee. 

In  any  time  of  distress  flee  to  Jesus,  and  fol- 
low Him  as  He  bears  His  Cross,  even  to  Mount 
Calvaiy.  There  firmly  stand ;  there  desire  to 
end  thy  Ufe,  and  there  draw  thy  last  breath. 

Place  the  Passion  and  Death  of  Jesus  between 


MetJifations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      201 

thee  and  the  Judgment  to  come,  and  look  stead- 
fastly on  the  Crucified. 

Against  the  terrors  of  the  devil  call  on  the 
name  of  Jesus,  and  lift  up  the  standard  of  the 
Holy  Cross. 

If  he  lay  to  your  charge  past  misdeeds  and 
many  sins,  do  thou  display  the  infinite  merits 
of  Christ. 

Remember,  also,  the  seven  utterances  of 
Jesus,  which  He  spake  on  the  Cross  for  thy 
instruction. 

For,  no  sooner  had  He  ascended  the  Cross, 
than  He  prayed  for  His  enemies,  and  pardoned 
those  that  sinned  against  Him ;  that  thou  in 
thine  heart  shouldest  forgive  all  thy  debtors, 
and  again  plead  tliyseLf  for  forgiveness. 

Secondly,  to  the  penitent  thief  He  promised 
the  joys  of  Paradise,  that  thou  mightest  not 
despair  on  account  of  the  greatness  of  thine 
offences ;  but  mightest  also  with  confidence  ask 
Him,  to  remember  thee  in  the  Kingdom  of 
Heaven. 

Thirdly,  He  commended  His  most  blessed 
Mother,  the  Virgin,  to  St.  John ;  that,  when 
thou  art  in  the  agony -of  death,  thou  shouldest 
earnestly  commend  thyself  to  the  prayers  of  aU 
that  are  near  and  dear  to  thee — yea,  of  aU  the 
faithful  in  Christ. 

Fourthly,  Jesus   showed    Himself   deserted 


202      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

during  His  punishments ;  that,  when  thou  art 
weighed  down  with  sorrows,  thou  shouldest  not 
be  impatient,  if  thou  art  not  immediately  re- 
Ueved,  but  in  all  things  submit  thyself  to  the 
ordinance  of  God. 

Fifthly,  He  saith  "I  thii-st,"  that  thou  should- 
est ardently  thii-st  after  God,  the  Living  Foun- 
tain ;  and  shouldest  desire  to  die  and  be  with 
Christ.  For  this  is  far  better  than  to  sojourn 
longer  in  the  world,  and  be  still  involved  in 
sundry  perils. 

Sixthly,  He  uttered  the  word  of  consumma- 
tion, "  It  is  finivshed !  "  that,  when  thou  perceiv- 
est  the  end  of  thy  days  to  be  at  hand,  thou 
shouldest  praise  God  for  every  good  work 
done  in  thee ;  and  shouldest  pray  that,  what- 
ever thou  hast  failed  to  do,  it  may,  by  the  mercy 
of  Christ,  be  looked  on  as  finished. 

Seventhly,  He,  A\ith  a  strong  cry,  delivered 
His  soul  into  the  hands  of  the  Father;  that 
thou  also,  when  about  to  leave  this  world, 
shouldest  not  fail  to  read  and  frequently  repeat 
the  words  of  blessed  commendation  of  Himself ; 
than  which,  in  thy  last  moments,  thou  wilt  find 
nothing  more  sweet  to  be  remembered. 

O  most  lo\dng  Jesus,  Brightness  of  the  Fa- 
ther's gh)ry,  and  Sun  of  righteousness,  who 
didst  deign  for  me,  Thine  unworthy  servant,  to 
suffer  the  vilest  form  of  sorrow ;  and  on  Calvary 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      203 

didst,  for  the  Redemption  of  the  world,  deliver 
up  Thy  soul,  and  commend  it  to  Thy  Father  in 
prayer,  grant  that  I  may  bear  about  continually 
in  my  breast  a  sorrow  and  a  love  for  Thy  most 
bitter  Death. 

May  I,  by  mortifying  all  my  evil  affections, 
daily  exercise  myself  in  dying  with  Thee ;  so 
that,  when  the  end  of  my  life  approaches,  I 
may  by  Thy  merits  be  deemed  worthy  to  breathe 
in  the  Hght  of  Thy  mercies,  and  to  enter  peace- 
fully with  Thee  into  the  joys  of  Paradise. 

Be  Thou  with  me  when  I  am  dying;  sup- 
port me  in  the  conflict ;  come  to  me  longing 
for  Thee.  Defend  me  from  the  enemy,  rescue 
me  from  misery,  comfort  me  in  my  mourning, 
strengthen  me  when  trembling,  revive  me  when 
drooping,  receive  me  at  my  death. 

May  Thy  last  words  on  the  Cross  be  ray  last 
words  in  this  life ;  and,  when  I  can  no  longer 
speak,  hear  my  last  cra\diig:  "Father,  into 
Thy  hands  I  commend  my  spirit ;  for  Thou 
hast  redeemed  me,  O  Lord,  Thou  God  of  ti-uth. 
Amen." 


204      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 


CHAPTER   XXX.. 

ON   THE  VICTORIOUS    DEATH   OP  JESUS   OUR   RE- 
DEEJIER, 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Thou  spotless  mir- 
ror of  the  Divine  Majesty,  I  bless  and  give 
Thee  thanks  for  Thy  miserable  and  pallid  ap- 
pearance, caused  by  death's  assault  on  Thee : 
when,  on  Thy  Soul  lea\ing  the  Body,  certain 
signs  of  mortahty  appeared  in  Thee. 

Alas  !  alas  !  O  Jesu,  Thou  of  all  the  fairest ! 
The  beauty  of  Thy  most  pleasant  countenance 
has  perished,  through  the  foulness  of  those 
who  spat  upon  Thee  with  unclean  hps ;  and,  in 
the  struggle  of  death,  the  flower  of  Thy  most 
acceptable  youth  has  faded. 

Oh !  most  gracious  God !  all  these  things 
came  upon  Thee  for  the  cleansing  of  my  sins. 
Thou  didst  freely  submit  to  be  disfigured  in 
body,  that  I  might  be  pure  in  soul ;  and  that  I 
might  be  dehvered  from  everlasting  death, 
Thou  didst,  for  a  season,  taste  a  most  cruel 
Death. 

O  Death,  what  hast  thou  done  ?  Wlieref  ore 
wast  thou  not  afraid  to  lay  thine  hand  on  the 
Lord's  Anointed  f     What  right  hadst  thou  over 


}[<(Ilf<i(ioiis  on   fhr   Lifr  of  Christ.      20.1 

Him  ?  Or  what  fault  couldest  thou  hud  iu  tlio 
Son  of  God  ? 

Thou  hast  fallen  upon  Him,  thou  hast  shun 
Him  ;  but  thou  hast  not  assaulted  Him  with- 
out injury  to  thyself.  For,  in  destroying  hfc 
thou  hast  destroyed  thyself ;  and  having  been 
pierced  througli  with  the  hook  of  Christ's  Divin- 
ity, thou  hast  lost  the  sovereignty  of  thy  cruel 
dominion  ;  and,  througli  Christ's  soid  descend- 
ing to  the  realms  below,  thou  hast  been  com- 
pelled to  give  up  all  the  Elect  that  died  in 
Adam,  so  long  held  captive  by  the  prince  of 
darkness. 

For  so  had  it  been  foretold  by  the  Prophet 
of  old  :  "■  O  death,  I  will  be  thy  death  ;  O  grave, 
I  will  be  thy  destruction.''  Whence  also  in  the 
Church,  with  loud  voices,  is  fitly  sung :  "  Life 
dies  upon  the  tree,  the  grave  is  deprived  of  its 
sting."  Therefore,  in  Thy  death,  O  Christ,  the 
hope  of  life  is  restored  to  me ;  and,  the  prince 
of  death  being  vanquished,  a  crown  of  joy  is 
granted  me. 

Truly  great  and  manifold  favors  flow'ed  from 
Thee,  when,  for  our  life.  Thou  didst  die  on  the 
Cross. 

For  original  guilt  is  blotted  out,  our  own 
iniquity  is  forgiven,  pardon  is  extended,  pun- 
ishment is  softened,  vengeance  is  stayed,  every 
debt  is  paid  ;  to  none  who  weep  is  mercy  denied, 


206      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

for  inexhaustible  is  the  merit  of  Thy  Passion. 
Truly  Thou  hast  not  died  in  vain  ! 

For  whom  then  hath  He  died  ?  Since  the 
Angels  needed  it  not,  for  they  remained  stead- 
fast in  the  truth.  The  devil  never  can  rise 
again,  for  straightway  after  his  fall  he  became 
hardened. 

For  man,  therefore,  hast  Thou  died ;  who, 
being  beguiled  by  the  devil,  became  ruined  and 
subject  to  death.  And  fitting  was  it  Thy  love 
shoidd  raise  up  him,  whom  the  malice  of  an 
alien  had  cast  down. 

0  vast  compassion !  O  ineffable  depth  of 
Divine  counsel !  O  adoral)le  and  ever  to  be  re- 
membered mystery,  by  which  man,  through  the 
Cross,  obtains  salvation ;  through  the  oifence, 
comes  to  the  kingdom  ;  through  suifering.  en- 
ters into  glory ;  and  through  death,  is  brought 
back  to  Life  eternal ! 

Thy  most  sacred  Passion,  therefore,  O  Lord, 
is  a  medicine  for  all  wounds.  Thy  Cross  is 
the  ruin  of  all  enemies,  and  the  renowned  de- 
fence of  the  faithful.  Thy  Death  is  death  to 
all  vices,  and  the  source  of  all  virtues. 

1  will,  therefore,  rejoice  in  the  benefit  and 
fruit  of  Thy  Passion.  I  -svill  take  comfort 
from  my  redemption.  Yet  will  I  grieve,  as  I 
behold  Thy  love,  and  for  Thy  most  bitter 
Death. 


Meditations  on  flic  Life  of  Christ.      207 

For  it  is  an  act  of  piety  to  rejoice  "with  Thee, 
because  Thou  hast  overcome  death ;  equally 
pious  is  it  to  sorrow  with  Thee,  sin(!e  Thou  hast 
been  a  man  of  sorrows  indeed  for  me. 

Come  now,  O  faithful  soul,  behold  the  sad 
and  pallid  form  of  the  Crucified  Saviour.  Study 
every  member  of  the  dead  Jesus,  and,  in  the 
abundance  of  Thy  compassion,  let  thine  eyes 
run  down  -with  tears :  for,  when  thou  gazest 
upon  Jesus  hanging  on  the  Cross,  profitablj' 
art  thou  occupied ;  very  holy  is  the  exercise  in 
wliich  thou  art  engaged. 

As  a  cluster  of  camphor  in  the  \ineyards  of 
Engaddi,  so  is  the  image  of  the  Crucified  in 
the  heart  of  a  just  man.  If,  therefore,  thou 
hast  an  eye  of  pity,  if  thou  hast  within  thee  any 
human  kindness,  look  upwards,  and  gaze  in 
meditation  on  the  Crucified  God.  dead  on  the 
Cross  for  thee. 

Behold  the  Cross,  on  which  hangs  thy  salva- 
tion, the  redemption  of  the  godly,  the  scorn  of 
the  infidel ;  His  head,  covered  with  thorns,  is 
bent  low  towards  His  sacred  breast ;  nor  is 
there  now  any  sign  of  life  in  Him. 

The  eyes  of  Him,  from  Whom  no  secret  can 
be  hid.  now  see  nothing.  The  ears  of  Him, 
Who  knoweth  aU  things  before  they  come  to 
pass,  now  hear  nothing.  He,  Who  gives  to 
flowers  theii*  sweet  odor,  now  cannot  smell.    He, 


208      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

"Wlio  giveth  life  and  food  to  all  tilings  lining, 
can  now  no  longer  taste. 

He,  Wlio  opens  the  mouth  of  the  dumb, 
moves  not  His  lij^s.  He,  Who  teacheth  man 
knowledge,  utters  not  a  word.  The  tongue, 
which  always  spoke  fitly,  now  lies  fii-mly  fixed. 
The  face,  once  brighter  than  the  sun,  is  now 
veiled  by  a  deadly  pallor.  The  cheeks,  comely 
as  the  turtle-dove's,  have  lost  the  perfection  of 
beauty. 

The  hands,  which  stretched  forth  the  heav- 
ens, are  pierced  with  sharp  nails.  The  knees, 
so  often  bent  in  prayer,  hang  senseless  and 
naked.  The  legs,  which  like  pillars  of  marble 
bore  the  weight  of  the  whole  body,  are  devoid 
of  strength  and  vigor.  The  feet,  often  wearied 
with  preaching  the  gospel,  are,  as  if  in  the 
pillory  fixed,  u-on-bound  to  the  wood  of  the 
Cross. 

All  His  members  seem  full  of  pain,  covered 
with  wounds,  besmeared  with  blood.  Yet,  that 
the  Holy  Scriptures  might  be  fulfilled.  His 
bones  were  not  broken,  as  were  the  bones  of  the 
malefactors.  For  He  is  the  true  Lamb  prefig- 
ured in  the  Law,  whose  bones  are  commanded 
to  be  kept  whole. 

Such  is  my  Beloved,  and  this  is  my  Friend, 
ye  daughters  of  Jerusalem.  And  this  is  the 
end  of  the  Death  of  Him.  for  which,  were  I  to 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.     209 

offer  ten  thousand  lives,  it  would  be  no  worthy 
repayment  of  His  love. 

O  most  sweet  Jesus,  Redeemer  of  my  soul, 
would  that  I  could  die  on  the  Cross  with  Thee ! 
May  there  be  for  me  a  like  happy  season  with 
Thee  on  my  departure  fi-om  the  body ! 

Grant  me,  I  beseech  Thee  with  all  my  heart, 
so  to  live  in  this  frail  body,  and  so  to  direct  aU 
my  doings  and  my  desu-es  according  to  Thy 
good  pleasui'e,  that  I  may  be  able  to  finish  my 
course  in  a  state  of  gi'ace ;  and,  after  sundry 
perils  and  temptations,  to  obtain  thi-ougli  Thee, 
O  Christ,  the  prize  of  everlasting  blessedness. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

ON  THE  CRUEL   PIERCING  OF   THE  HOLY   SIDE  OF 
JESUS  CHRIST. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Thou  never-failing 
Fountain  of  love  and  grace,  I  bless  and 
give  Thee  thanks  for  the  cruel  piercing  of  Thy 
most  sacred  side,  after  Thy  life  had  departed. 

For  then,  O  Holiest  of  the  Holy,  Thou  wast 
so  xiolently  smitten  and  pierc^ed  in  the  right 
side  by  one  of  the  soldiers,  that  the  point  of  the 
ii'on,  penetrating  inwardly,  reached  Thy  ten- 
der heart.    From  the  vride  wound  came  forth  a 


210      Mcdifafions  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

most  saving  fonntain  of  water  and  lilood,  that, 
sprinkled  therewith,  the  whole  world  might  be 
saved. 

O  saered  and  wondrous  flow  of  the  precious 
Blood  of  Christ,  pouring  forth,  for  the  redemp- 
tion of  man,  from  His  right  side,  while  He  was 
sleeping  on  the  Cross ! 

O  bright  and  gi-atefnl  flow  of  blessed  water, 
issuing  from  the  inmost  pai'ts  of  the  Sa\dour, 
to  cleanse  us  from  all  our  sins ! 

Moses,  the  servant  of  the  Lord,  struck  of  old 
the  rock  hi  the  wilderness,  so  that  the  waters 
gushed  out  abundantly ;  and  the  people  and 
their  cattle  drank  from  that  stream  with  joy, 
and  all  murmm-ing  ceased. 

But  Longinus,  a  soldier  strong  and  rough, 
spear  in  hand,  with  great  foife  sti"nck  the  rock, 
when  he  opened  the  right  side  of  Jesus,  and 
forth^vith  there  came  out  blood  and  water. 
From  thence  oiir  chaste  Mothei*,  the  Churchy 
has  drawn  the  Sacraments  of  salvation. 

For,  as  Eve  is  called  the  Mother  of  all  li^'ing, 
and  was  formed  of  the  rib  of  Adam,  her  hus- 
band; so  also  the  Holy  Clmrch  Militant  is 
called  the  Mother  of  all  the  faithful,  and  is 
formed  anew  out  of  the  side  of  Chi-ist,  her 
Spouse. 

O  great  and  precious  wound  of  my  Lord ! 
to  be  tenderly  loved  above  all  wounds,  deeply 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      211 

pierced  and  widely  opened,  that  all  the  faithful 
may  enter;  marvellous  in  its  flowing,  abun- 
dantly blessed ;  last  formed,  but  chief  in  note. 

Whosoever  drinketh  from  the  sacred  and  di- 
vine fountain  of  this  wound,  or  once  taketh  a 
di'aught  of  love  therefrom,  he  shall  forget  all 
his  e\Tils,  he  shall  be  no  longer  inflamed  by  the 
heat  of  worldly  and  carnal  desires ;  but  shall 
ardently  burn  with  the  unspeakable  love  of 
things  eternal,  and  be  filled  with  the  sweetness 
of  the  Holy  Spirit — yea,  it  shall  be  in  him  a 
well  of  Uviug  water,  springing  up  into  everlast- 
ing Life. 

Enter,  O  my  soul,  cuter  into  the  right  side  of 
thy  crucified  Lord.  Enter,  by  this  renowned 
wound,  into  the  mo.st  lo\dng  heart  of  Jesus,  out 
of  love  transpierced ;  that,  in  the  cleft  of  the 
rock,  thou  nuiyest  find  a  resting  place  from  the 
tempest  of  the  world. 

Di'aw  near,  O  man,  to  this  heart,  all  so  deep, 
liiddcn,  and  secret ;  to  the  heart  of  God,  Who 
openeth  His  door  to  thee.  Come  in,  thou  blessed 
of  the  Lord,  wherefore  standest  thou  without  f 
The  vein  of  life  is  open  to  thee — the  way  of  sal- 
vation— the  heavenly  ark,  from  whence  flow 
sweet  spices  abundantly. 

Behold  a  place  of  refuge  from  the  face  of 
thine  enemy,  the  tempter — a  place  of  propitia- 
tion from  the  wrath  of  the  judgment  to  come. 


212      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

This  is  the  ever-flowing  fouutaiu  of  unction 
and  grace,  which  never  ceases  to  provide  par- 
don for  sinners,  who  seek  to  draw  neai*  with  a 
hearty  repentance. 

This  is  the  sonrce  of  the  sacred  river,  going 
forth  from  the  midst  of  Paradise,  to  water  the 
face  of  the  earth :  to  quench  the  thii"st  of  the 
parched  mind,  to  wash  away  sins,  to  keep  under 
all  carnal  desires,  and  stay  the  ragings  of  an- 
ger. Take  thou,  therefore,  the  cup  of  love  from 
this  fountain  of  the  Savioui*. 

Draw  from  the  side  of  Jesus  the  sweet  solaces 
of  life  ;  that  thou  mayest  now  live,  not  in  thy- 
seK,  but  in  Him  Who  was  wounded  for  thee. 

Give  thy  heart  to  Him,  Who  opened  His  heart 
to  thee.  Enter,  by  the  door  of  the  hallowed 
wound,  into  the  inward  recesses  of  the  Re- 
deemer. 

He  bids  thee  enter,  and  pleads  with  thee  to 
al)ide  with  Him.  His  desire  is  that  thou  should- 
est  have  one  heart  with  Him.  "  My  son  (He 
says),  give  Me  thine  heart."  Nothing  more  does 
Clod  require  of  thee ;  if  thou  givest  this,  thou 
presentest  an  offering  most  acceptable  to  Him. 

Give  it  therefore  to  Jesus,  not  to  another ; 
give  it  to  Christ,  not  to  the  world.  Yea,  give 
thine  heart  to  eternal  wisdom,  not  to  a  vain 
philosophy. 

For  this,  therefore,  it  was,  He  caused  His 


Mfdifntions  on  the  Life  of  Christ      213 

side  to  be  opened  so  widely,  and  to  be  so  deeply 
pierced ;  that  a  way  of  approach  to  the  lieart 
of  thy  Beloved  might  be  clear  to  thee;  that 
thou  iiiightest  be  al)le  to  penetrate  the  secret 
places  of  the  Sou  of  God,  and  to  be  joined  to 
Him  in  true  imion  of  heart ;  that  thou  might- 
est  du'cct  all  thy  affections  towards  Him ;  and, 
with  singleness  of  heart,  do  all  thy  works  to 
His  honor;  that  thy  whole  study  may  be  to 
please  Him  alone,  and  to  chng  to  Him  wdth  a 
pure  mind  and  with  all  thy  strength. 

For,  where  wilt  thou  be  able  to  rest  more 
securely,  dwell  more  safely,  and  sleep  more 
sweetly,  than  in  the  wounds  of  Jesus  Christ, 
Who  was  crucified  for  thee  ? 

"V\niere  "snlt  thou  possibly  find  gi-eater  wis- 
dom, and  receive  a  better  guidance  of  life,  than 
in  the  depths  of  Christ,  Who  suffered  for  thee ; 
from  under  Whose  breast  poiu*s  forth  for  thee 
a  fountain  of  U\dng  water  ? 

Where,  when  lukewarm,  wilt  thou  be  so  ef- 
fectually restored  to  the  glow  of  love ;  where 
so  quic^kly  rescued  from  all  turmoil ;  where  so 
perfectly  brought  to  inward  recollection  ;  as  in 
the  heart  of  Jesus,  which,  out  of  love  of  thee, 
received  the  piercing  spear  ? 

Nothing  so  inflames,  draws,  and  penetrates 
the  heart  of  man,  as  the  love  of  the  Crucified 
Redeemer.     Hence,  indeed,  a  Saint  of  old  (Ig- 


214      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

natiiis)  was  wont  to  say,  "  My  love  was  cruci- 
fied." To  whom  I  affectionately  reply,  "My 
love  too  was  wounded  and  pierced,  that  to  me 
may  be  given  a  ready  entrance  to  His  loving 
heart." 

Hasten  then  with  all  becoming  eagerness,  ap- 
ply thyself  to  the  sacred  side  of  Jesus,  that  thou 
mayest  be  sprinkled  with  His  Blood  and  Water. 

And,  as  far  as  can  be,  draw  out  thine  own 
heart,  and  place  it  near  the  heart  of  Jesus ;  that 
He  may  guard,  I'ule,  and  have  possession  of  it ; 
that  it  ma}^  be  no  more  hurried  hither  and 
thither,  and  so  defiled. 

Lay  open  thine  heart  to  Him ;  commit  thy- 
self boldly  to  Him ;  before  Him  place  thine 
every  wish  and  fear ;  be  of  one  heart  and  one 
soul  in  God ;  ever  to  think  and  feel  with  Him 
in  aU  things,  according  to  His  highest  good 
pleasure. 

Then,  in  great  peace,  thou  shalt  not  be  easily 
distui'bed,  nor  oppressively  gi'ieved ;  when  thou 
hast  given  thine  heart  entirely  to  Jesus,  to  keep 
it  and  dwell  therein  for  ever. 

O  Jesu  most  pure,  the  Creator  of  aU  things 
secret,  and  Wlio  dwellest  in  the  hearts  of  them 
that  love  Thee !  0  Thou  that  art  to  all  the 
contemplative  a  Cross-formed  spectacle  !  0  di- 
vine Treasury  of  all  gifts  and  graces  !  0  Christ, 
our  King,  Redeemer  of  the  faithful !  Who  didst 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      215 

cause  Thy  most  sacred  side  to  be  opened  by  the 
shaii^  point  of  a  dreadful  spear ;  open  to  me,  I 
pray  Thee,  tlie  gate  of  Tliy  compassion. 

Suffer  me  to  enter,  by  the  great  and  open 
door  of  Thy  side,  the  secret  recesses  of  Thy 
most  h)ving  heart ;  that  my  heart  may  be  united 
to  Thee  by  the  inseparable  bond  of  love,  and 
vehemently  inflamed  thereby;  so  that  Thou 
mayest  dwell  in  me,  and  I  in  Thee ;  and  that  I 
may  renuiin  one  with  Thee  for  ever. 

Wound  my  heart  with  the  arrow  of  Thy  love. 
Let  Thy  spear,  as  it  were  a  soldier's  weapon, 
pass  through  my  flesh,  and  ])enetrate  my  inner 
self. 

So  that,  from  this  salutary  wounding,  my 
sold  may  obtain  perfect  health — admitting  no 
lover  save  Thee,  seeking  for  no  consolation  be- 
yond Thee. 

May  my  heart  be  accessible  and  open  to  Thee 
alone ;  ahen  to  the  world,  closed  to  Satan,  and 
strengthened  on  all  sides,  by  the  standard  of  the 
Cross,  against  every  trial  that  may  beset  it. 


216      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 


CHAPTER  XXXII. 

ON    THE   TAKING    DOWN    OF   CHRIST     FROM   THE 
CROSS. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesn 
Christ,  Thou  strength  divine,  for  Thy  hum- 
ble descent  at  eventide  from  the  lofty  Cross ;  on 
which,  for  our  Salvation,  Thou  didst  hang  un- 
til the  setting  of  the  sun ;  and  from  which 
Thou  wast  ordered  to  be  taken  down,  accord- 
ing to  the  regulation  of  the  old  Law ;  and  be- 
cause of  the  approaching  day  of  the  Paschal 
Feast,  to  be  kept  on  the  holy  Sabbath. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee  for  the  ready  ser- 
vice so  lovingly  rendered  Thee  by  Thy  famihar 
friends,  when  those  pious  men,  Jospph  of  Ari- 
math^a,  and  Nicodemus,  a  Doctor  of  the  Law, 
coming  with  their  sem^ants  to  the  Cross, 
mounted  ladders  raised  aloft ;  the  one  ascend- 
ing on  Thy  right  hand,  the  other  on  Thy 
left :  wliile  a  thii'd  was  occupied  loosing  Thy 
feet. 

With  all  honor  and  reverence  they  extracted 
froui  Thy  sacred  hands  and  feet  three  precious 
nails,  more  valuable  far  than  shining  gold. 
Then,  with  the  assistance  of  powerful  compan- 


Medifafio)is  on  the  Life  of  C/iri.sf.      217 

ions,  reverently  cnil)r;u'ing  Thy  most  noble 
Body,  they  modestly  and  carefully  lowered  it  to 
the  <j^ronnd. 

Blessed  men  of  mercy  are  ye,  who  paid  this 
loving  attention  to  the  Lord  yom*  God,  that  ye 
might  duly  deliver  Him  over  for  burial !  For 
the  fidelity  which  ye  formerly  manifested  to 
your  Friend,  when  He  was  alive,  ye  afterwards 
took  care  to  exliibit,  with  even  greater  devo- 
tion, when  He  was  dead. 

Therefore  from  God,  to  whom  ye  proved 
yourselves  so  faithful  on  earth,  ye  shall  in 
heaven  receive  a  special  reward.  He,  for  \Vliom 
ye  have  now  prepared  a  place  of  burial  on  earth, 
will  doubtless,  in  return,  prepare  for  you  a  hap- 
pier mansion  in  heaven ;  just  as  He  promised 
His  disciples,  the  night  before  His  Cnicifixion, 

O  that  I  also,  the  least  of  the  servants  of  God, 
had  been  allowed  to  attend  the  burial  of  my 
Lord;  there  to  have  rendered  some  ser\dce 
however  small !  How  readily  would  I  have 
held  the  ladder  to  the  Cross,  or  have  stretched 
forth  the  workman's  pincers  to  extract  the  nails, 
or  even  have  aided  those  who  lowered  the  sacred 
Body ! 

0  what  a  privilege  for  me,  had  I  stood  near 
enough  to  receive  into  my  bosom,  for  a  sweet 
memorial  of  His  Passion,  one  of  the  nails  of 
mv  Lord,  as  it  fell  from  alcove ;  that,  as  oft  as 


218      Meditations  on  the  lAfe  of  Christ. 

I  gazed  thereon,  I  might  forthwith  be  moved  to 
tears ! 

I  laud  and  glorify  Thee  for  that  enviable  em- 
brace, when  Thou  wast  received  and  embraced 
witliin  the  hands  and  arms  of  Thy  most  sor- 
rowf id  Mother ;  yea,  when,  out  of  compassion- 
ate devotion,  Thou  wast  dehvered  to  her  by 
Thy  faithfid  ones,  and  placed  in  the  Virgin's 
lap. 

O  what  precious  tears  then  flowed  from  her 
most  pure  eyes,  what  warm  drops  ran  down 
those  cheeks  all-chaste,  and  from  the  maternal 
face  quickly  bedewed  Thy  dead  Body. 

O  what  pm-e  lips  Thy  pure  Mother  then  im- 
pressed upon  Thy  hf eless  limbs ;  how  sorrow- 
fully and  how  ceaselessly  did  she  look  on  the 
all-holy  wound-marks ! 

O  with  what  clinging  arms  did  she  embrace 
the  blessed  fruit  of  her  womb  ;  that  fniit  which 
she  saw  offered  up  on  the  Altai*  of  the  Cross, 
for  the  salvation  of  the  world  ! 

Who,  however  devoted,  could  conceive  the 
cutting  misery  of  such  anguish  °?  Who  declare 
the  abundance  of  those  tears  ? 

Draw  nearer  then  now,  O  my  soul,  and  de- 
voutly kiss  the  blood-marked  wounds  of  Jesus. 
For,  when  He  was  hanging  nailed  on  the  Cross, 
no  way  of  approaching  Him  was  open,  because 
of  the  pressing  crowd  and  the  loftiness  of  the 


Meditation.'^  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      219 

Cross ;  but  now  He  is  found  iu  the  bosom  of 
His  weepiug  Mother,  lyiug  there  wouuded  aud 
dead. 

Draw  near,  therefore,  however  gi*eat  a  sin- 
ner ;  thou,  whom  the  fear  of  eternal  eondem- 
uation  gi*eatly  alarms  j  because  for  thee  the 
Lamb  has  been  slain,  for  thee  hath  been  offered 
a  ISaeriliee,  which  hath  taken  away  the  sins  of 
the  whole  world. 

So  gi'acious  and  merciful  is  the  Lord  Jesus, 
that  no  one  can  go  away  empty,  no  one  discon- 
solate ;  provided  in  penitence  he  heartily  seeks 
for  pardon. 

O  how  sweet  are  those  words  to  me,  a  sinner ; 
sweeter  than  honey  and  the  honeycomb  to  my 
lieart.  For  whatever  I  read  that  Jesus  suffered 
in  the  flesh,  aU,  I  perceive,  was  done  for  me. 

May  I,  here  on  earth,  with  bended  knees  hum- 
bly adore  Christ  my  Redeemer;  until  called 
away  to  give  Him  glory  for  ever  in  the  Heaven 
of  Heavens. 


CHAPTER  XXXin. 

ox   THE   REVEREND  BURIAL   OF  JESUS   CHRIST. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Thou  savor  of  life 
and  brightness  of  eternal  light,  I  bless  and 
give  Thee  thanks  for  Thine  anointment  Avith  the 


220      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

sweetest  compositiou  of  precious  spices.  For, 
although  it  was  not  necessary  for  Thee  to  keep 
away  corruption,  still  was  it,  as  a  mark  of  the 
devotion  of  Thy  friends,  very  acceptaljle  to 
Thee.  And  fm-ther,  it  was  to  be  lawfully  ap- 
plied to  Thee  in  full  accord  with  Jewish  custom, 
as  we  read  concerning  certain  Patriarchs  and 
Kings,  who  received  like  burial. 

I  jjraise  and  honor  Thee  for  the  careful  wi'ap- 
ping  of  Thy  sacred  Body  in  a  clean  hnen  cloth, 
and  for  the  decent  infolding  of  Thy  blessed 
head  in  a  pure  white  napkin;  which  was  after- 
wards found  lying  by  itself  in  the  Holy  Sep- 
ulchre. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee  for  Thy  mournful 
conveyance  to  the  place  of  l:)urial,  for  the  solemn 
laying  Thee  down,  and  for  Th}-  lowly  extension 
within  the  new  tomb,  hewn  out  of  the  rock, 
given  to  Thee  by  Joseph,  an  honorable  Coun- 
sellor. There,  as  the  hour  was  getting  late, 
"wdth  much  weeping  Thou  wast  honorably 
buried,  and  firmly  closed  in  under  a  large  stone 
rolled  unto  the  door  of  the  sepulchre. 

Rejoice,  0  venerable  Joseph,  in  an  office  of 
such  great  piety,  and  in  so  subhme  a  labor  of 
love  for  Christ.  I  thank  thee  heartily,  and 
most  highly  commend  thy  noble  bearing,  in 
that  thou  didst  this — a  matter  most  worthy  of 
all  honor. 


Medifafious  on  the  Life  of  Chriat.      221 

Because,  uot  only  didst  thou  ask  of  Pilate 
permission  to  bury  Jesus,  but  didst  also  oi»en 
to  Him  tliiue  own  sepulchre ;  which  thou  hadst 
prepared  for  thyself,  to  be  thine  own  resting- 
place  after  death. 

0  how  highly  has  God  esteemed  thee,  that 
He  shoTild  choose  to  be  buried  in  thy  gi-ave, 
above  all  other  places  in  the  world !  He,  in- 
deed, in  Whose  power  are  all  the  regions  of 
the  earth,  and  whatever  is  contained  within  the 
cii'cuit  of  the  heavens. 

1  tell  thee,  most  illustrious  of  men,  that, 
henceforth  as  long  as  the  world  shall  stand, 
and  the  number  of  the  faithful  floimsh,  ye  shall 
be  honored  before  God  and  men.  For  this 
venerable  Sepulchre  shall  be  more  glorious  and 
renowned  than  all  other  sepulchres,  wliether  of 
Saints  or  Kings ;  and,  above  all  others,  shall  be 
told  of  with  the  highest  praise  in  every  region 
of  the  earth. 

Many  pilgrims  "wall  come  from  the  far  off 
corners  of  the  world  to  visit  this  holy  spot,  and 
will  worship  in  this  place,  where  the  Body  of 
the  Lord  found  rest. 

Here  Jesus  was  buried;  here  the  Crucified 
One  was  laid ;  here  the  women  bewailed  Him  ; 
here  soldiers  guarded  Him. 

Here  Christ  rose  again  the  third  day ;  here 
Jesus  was  seen  by  Mary  Magdalene ;  here  an 


222      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  from  heaven  ;  here 
the  guards  of  the  Sepulchre  were  affrighted  and 
became  as  dead. 

Do  thou,  therefore,  also  abide  here  awhile, 
near  unto  the  Sepulchre,  and  with  the  women 
lament  for  the  Lord  Jesus,  who  was  bnried  for 
thee.  For  it  behoves  thee  deeply  to  grieve  for 
Him,  from  Whom  thou  longest  to  receive  the 
gift  of  unceasing  joy. 

Consider  how  sorely  the  lo\Tng  friends  of 
Christ  then  sorrowed,  and  especially  the  holy 
women,  when  they  beheld  Jesus  taken  from 
them,  and  shut  up  in  the  Sepulchre. 

For  the  love  of  Whom  they  had  despised  aU 
things,  and  followed  Him  over  a  wide  region 
round  about ;  to  Whom  they  had  so  often  and 
so  devotedly  ministered  of  then-  substance.  So 
much  indeed  did  they  love  Him,  that  they  could 
scarcely  be  separated  from  Him,  even  for  a  Ut- 
tle  moment. 

With  Him  they  ever  yearned  to  hve  and  hold 
sweet  converse,  and  through  Him  they  believed 
they  were  to  be  for  ever  blessed.  Assuredly, 
the  more  intense  their  love,  the  more  bitter  was 
their  lamentation. 

But,  above  all,  they  chiefly  sorrowed  because 
the  hope  of  a  Resurrection  seemed  taken  from 
them ;  and  their  faith,  in  a  manner,  was  buried 
with  Jesus  in  the  tomb. 


Mcdifafions  on  the  Life  of  Christ      228 

No  coiisolatioii,  therefore,  seemed  to  be  left 
to  His  heart-broken  foUowers,  save  to  mourn 
over  the  (le})arte(l,  or  to  g-o  and  prepare  sweet 
spiees ;  for,  if  they  eould  not  raise  the  dead, 
they  conld  at  least,  by  a  most  elfeetual  anoint- 
ing, preserve  His  Body  from  corruption. 

But,  O  ye  holy  and  devout  women,  ye  that 
love  Christ  with  uneeasiug  affection,  do  not,  I 
pray  you,  give  way  to  over  much  sorrow ;  do 
not  inwardly  desjjair. 

Remember  the  words  of  Jesus,  foretold  you 
by  Himself,  and  wait  a  little  season  : — For  after 
three  days  He  will  surely  rise  again. 

Then  ye  shall  behold,  in  great  splendor  and 
jo}-fulness  of  heart,  Him,  Whom  now  ye  bewail, 
entombed  in  weakness  and  sadness. 

Then  to  all  His  fi'iends,  who  now  so  heavily 
mourn  over  Christ's  death  and  burial,  there  will 
come  a  new  joy.  Your  anointing  then  will  be 
found  in  no  way  necessary,  for,  when  He  rises, 
He  shall  appear  in  the  highest  gloiy. 

He  will  be  clothed  in  the  robe  of  immortality, 
nor  shall  death  ever  again  have  dominion  over 
Him. 

Learn  thou,  in  the  burial  of  Jesus,  to  medi- 
tate profitably  on  the  dissolution  of  thine  own 
body.  What  thou  hast  received  from  the  earth 
must  needs  be  committed  to  the  earth,  "for 
dust  thou  art,  and  unto  dust  shalt  thou  return." 


224      Medif((fi(»is  on  the  Life  of  Chnaf. 

Whence  then  this  boastiug,  thou  that  art  so 
soon  to  decay,  and  to  be  bimed  in  the  ground  ? 
Wliat  dost  thou  long  for  in  the  world,  seeing 
thou  art  so  soon  to  be  di'iven  from  it,  and  to  be 
trodden  under  foot  of  men  ? 

When  thou  seest  the  sepulchres  of  the  dead, 
remember  thou  art  soon  to  join  them.  There, 
surely,  is  the  appointed  home  of  all  living. 

There  the  rich  and  the  poor  will  lie  stretched 
on  one  bed,  common  to  all ;  contented  with  a 
small  spot  of  earth. 

There  the  noble  is  not  distinguished  from  the 
vulgar,  nor  is  the  meek  any  longer  trampled  on 
by  one  mightier  than  he.  There  money  profits 
not  the  greedy,  nor  clever  \allainy  the  crafty. 
There  the  dehcate  shall  be  food  for  worms,  and 
the  once  gaily  attired  shall  become  an  offensive 
odor.  There  the  haughtiness  of  men  shall  be 
bowed  down,  and  the  praise  of  the  lofty  ones 
shall  vanish. 

Behold  how  the  whole  race  of  man  passeth 
away ;  and  all  flesh,  corrupted  by  sin,  returns 
to  that  from  whence  it  came. 

Wherefore,  labor  now  so  to  live  and  to  mor- 
tify the  deeds  of  the  flesh  by  the  spirit,  that, 
when  thy  flesh  moulders  in  the  dust,  thy  soul 
may  be  meet,  through  Christ,  to  rest  in  peace- 
ful repose. 

For,  if  now,  in  the  day  of  preparation,  thou 


Medit((fio)is  ov  the  Life  of  Christ.      225 

livest  in  labor  and  sorrow,  thou  slialt  have  a 
holy  Sabbath  of  quiet ;  and  then,  in  due  season, 
a  joyous  Passover  at  the  Resuirection  of  the 
Just. 

By  how  much  the  more  strictly,  therefore, 
thou  now  hvest  in  the  world,  so  much  the  more 
peaceably  thou  shalt  rest  in  the  gi-ave.  By  how 
much  the  more  tightly  thou  now  chngest  to  the 
Cross,  so  much  the  more  boldly  shalt  thou  come 
to  Christ.  By  how  much  the  more  bitterly  thou 
deplorest  thy  sins,  so  much  the  less  shalt  thou 
fear  to  stand  in  the  presence  of  Jesus,  thy  Re- 
deemer. 

Lament,  lament  in  this  thy  day  of  grace, 
while  the  door  of  mercy  is  open,  whilst  thy  re- 
pentance is  acceptable  to  Him  with  whom  is 
plenteous  redemption. 

Sorrow  also  over  the  miserable  state  of  the 
world,  and  the  sad  ingi*atitude  of  man  :  that  so 
few  are  found  true  imitators  of  Christ  ciiicified ; 
that  so  many  wax  cold  and  fall  from  their  spu'- 
itual  fervor. 

Let  it  therefore  be  thy  daily  exercise  to  medi- 
tate on  Jesus  Christ,  and  Him  Crucified.  Ever 
set  Jesus  before  thee — from  the  Cross  of  Jesus 
draw  not  back;  but,  li\'ing  and  dWng,  with 
Jesus  enter  into  the  grave,  that,  when  Christ, 
who  is  thy  hfe,  shall  appear,  thou  mayest  with 
Him  rise  again  in  glorj'.     Amen. 


PART    III. 


ON    THE    RESURRECTION    OF    CHRIST 
AND  HIS  SEVERAL  APPEARANCES. 


CHAPTER  I. 

ON  THE  MOST  VICTORIOUS  TRIUINIPH  OF  OUR 
LORD  JESUS  CHRIST  ON  THE  CROSS  OVER 
DEATH;  AND  ON  HIS  MOST  JOYFUL  RESUR- 
RECTION  FROM   THE   SEPULCHRE. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  I  bless  and  give 
Thee  thanks,  Thou  Saviour  of  the  world, 
for  Thy  most  ^'ictorious  triuni})h  over  death  on 
the  Cross ;  and  for  Thy  glorious  and  joyful 
Resurrection  from  the  gi-ave ;  in  which  Thou 
hadst  lain  three  days  aud  nigiits,  verily  dead 
for  us.  With  much  weeping  wast  Thou  buried, 
hidden  wast  Thou  from  human  eyes,  shut  in  by 
a  gi-eat  stone ;  so  that,  ])y  Thy  friends  and  disci- 
ples, Thou  couldest  neither  be  touched  nor  seen. 
Where  also  Thou  wast  guarded  by  faithless 
soldiers  in  strong  armor  clad ;  lest,  rising  again 
from  the  dead.  Thou  mightest  escape  out  of 
their  charge ;  or  that,  perchance.  Thy  disciples 
might  privily  take  Thee  away,  and.  craftily 
cari'jdng  Thee  elsewhere,  might  worship  Thee 
as  God  ;  telling  to  the  people.  "  Jesus,  who  was 
crucified,  has  risen  from  the  dead." 


230      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

But  sin  was  surely  its  own  betrayer ;  and  all 
the  subtlety  of  the  devil,  all  the  power  of  Pilate, 
all  the  perversity  of  the  people,  all  the  crafti- 
ness of  the  Priests,  all  the  learuiug  of  the 
Scribes,  all  the  counsel  of  the  Pharisees  and 
Elders,  who  strove  to  cast  out  Thy  holy  Name 
from  the  mouths  of  men — were  brought  to 
nought. 

For,  assiu-edly,  there  is  no  counsel  against 
the  Lord,  neither  does  eartlily  power  prevail 
against  the  Most  High ;  nor  does  the  carnal 
mind  profit  against  the  wisdom  of  God,  nor  can 
crafty  plotting  deceive  the  God  who  knoweth 
all  things. 

For  Thou,  who  hast  founded  the  earth  on  its 
bases,  and  placed  to  tlie  sea  its  bounds,  and 
hast  created  all  things  in  due  weight,  number, 
and  measure,  knewest  also  the  time  and  hour 
of  Thy  ResuiTection  ;  as  Thou  hadst  known  the 
time  of  Thy  Bii-th  and  the  horn-  of  Thy  Death. 

Therefore,  when  midnight  was  past  and  the 
dawn  of  day  near.  Thou,  O  most  gracious 
Jesus,  didst  with  a  glorious  Body,  ni  the  great- 
est joy  and  ineffable  brightness,  rise  again  from 
the  closed  Sepulchre,  alive  and  glad ;  in  like 
manner  as,  at  Thy  nativity,  Thou  earnest  forth 
from  the  vii'gin  womb  of  Thy  most  blessed 
Mother. 

And  this  most  sacred  Feast  of  Thy  Resmrec- 


Meditations  on  the  IJfe  of  Christ.      231 

tion,  brighter  thau  tlie  sun,  yea  brighter  far 
than  all  the  Festivals  of  tlie  year,  the  Church 
hat  ordained  to  be  solemnly  kept  by  all  the 
Faithful  throughout  the  world,  and  that  by  an 
ordinance  for  ever.  With  one  heart  and  one 
voice  is  it  to  be  kept,  in  hymns  and  psalms  and 
oft-repeated  hallelujahs ;  and  so,  in  happy  com- 
memoration and  thanksgiving,  recalled  to  mind 
most  worthily. 

For  at  the  break  of  day,  while  Angels  were 
looking  down  and  rejoicing  with  Thee  in  Thy 
noble  triumph  over  death  and  the  spoiling  of 
the  gi-ave.  Thou,  Clirist,  O  King,  didst  merci- 
fully set  open  to  us  the  gate  of  Eternity,  as 
Thou  hadst  foretold  to  Thy  disciples;  and, 
whilst  thej'  were  yet  in  their  ignorance,  Tliou 
didst  joyfully  put  on  the  robe  of  Thy  glorious 
Body. 

Then  all  the  powers  of  darkness  grieved  and 
groaned  at  the  brightness  of  Thy  countenance, 
as  seen  in  our  human  nature. 

Great  fear  also  fell  upon  the  soldiers,  while 
with  force  of  arms  they  were  guarding  the 
Sepulchre ;  for,  when  the  earth  shook  and  they 
beheld  the  strange  ^•ision  of  Angels,  they  forth- 
with became  like  unto  dead  men. 

For  the  Angel  of  the  Lord  descended  from 
heaven,  shining  in  snowlike  whiteness,  and  rolled 
back  the  great  stone  from  the  Sepulchre :  and 


232      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

so  made  ready  a  straight  and  secui-e  way  for 
the  holy  women,  who  were  coming  with  pre- 
cious spices  to  again  anoint  Jesus.  Now  they 
could  safely  draw  near,  and  see  that  the  tomb 
was  empty,  and  that  Jesus  was  not  there,  but 
had  risen. 

0  Lord  Jesu  Christ,  Most  Mighty,  I^ng  of 
kings.  Prince  of  heaven  and  earth.  Thou  bounti- 
ful Creator  of  all  things,  I  bless  and  higlily 
exalt  Thee  for  Thy  steru  overthrow  of  hell,  and 
the  strong  binding  of  proud  Lucifer,  who  was 
cast  into  the  lake  of  bui-ning  fire. 

1  praise  and  glorify  Thee  for  the  great  sub- 
jugation of  the  wickedness  and  power  of  Satan, 
as  exercised  by  him  against  the  human  race ; 
so  that  evil  spirits  can  no  longer  prevail  against 
us  at  their  will,  as  once  they  were  wont  to  do 
before  Thine  Incarnation  and  Thy  Passion. 

On  whose  head  were  recompensed,  vdth  a 
righteous  judgment,  all  the  scandal  and  plotting 
of  the  Jews,  intended  Thee  by  Thy  death  on 
the  Cross  between  two  tliieves. 

And  now,  behold  Thou  hast  risen  again  and 
vanquished  the  Kingdom  of  Hell.  Thou  hast, 
by  the  Standard  of  the  Holy  Cross,  dashed  in 
pieces  the  powers  of  darkness ;  and  under  the 
feet  of  Thy  humble  servants,  whom  Thou  hast 
chosen  out  of  the  world,  hast  Thou  trodden 
their  pride  to  destruction. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      233 

For  now,  all  Christians,  high  and  low,  rejoice 
that  the}'  are  signed  ^vith  the  sign  of  the  Holy 
Cross,  and,  to  the  honor  of  Thy  Name,  bear  it 
boldly  on  their  foreheads  against  the  teiTors  of 
the  old  serpent,  and  the  insult  of  every  infidel 
— Jew  and  Gentile ;  who  yet  hate  the  Name  of 
Jesus  Christ,  the  Son  of  God,  Who,  for  the  sal- 
vation of  the  world,  was  crucified. 

I  praise  and  honor  Thee,  O  benign  Jesus,  for 
the  loving  visit  to  the  Saints  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment in  their  resting  place  below ;  and  for  the 
hberation  of  all  faithful  souls  at  rest  in  the 
bosom  of  Abraham. 

They,  who  were  long  ardently  awaiting  Thy 
coming  on  Thy  descent  into  hell,  and  devoutly 
cr}4ng  out  to  Thee  ■with  voices  mingled  with 
tears,  now  sing  (as  in  procession  in  this  our 
day  is  sung) : — 

"  Thou  hast  come,  O  desired  One,  for  W^iom 
we  have  been  waiting  in  darkness,  that  Thou 
mightest  this  night  lead  forth  the  captives  from 
then-  prison-house." 

Rejoice  now  therefore,  especially  thou,  O , 
Adam,  our  primordial  father,  uatui-e's  progeni- 
tor of  the  human  race,  with  Eve  thy  noble 
wife,  formed  from  thy  side  in  Paradise.  Be- 
cause from  thy  race  comes  the  Christ,  who  was 
born  of  a  Virgin,  and  was  sacrificed  upon  the 
Cross,  to  deliver  thee  and  all  thy  fellow-captive 


234      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

childreu,  who  have  died  in  His  faith,  and  in  the 
hope  of  heavenly  grace.  Thy  dehvery  has  been 
from  the  holding  of  the  gi'ave,  from  the  house 
of  bondage,  from  the  shadow  of  death,  from 
the  den  of  lions,  and  from  the  terror  of  most 
wicked  spn-its ;  to  restore  thee  and  all  thy  holy 
offspring  with  joyful  sounds  of  sweetest  songs, 
to  a  Paradise  of  dehght  and  eternal  happiness. 

And  thou,  0  holy  Patriarch  Abraham,  father 
of  many  nations,  rejoice  together  mth  faitliful 
Sarah  thy  wife,  for  the  Incarnation  of  Clmst, 
promised  thee  of  old,  and  in  the  present  Festi- 
val completed  ; — that  Clmst,  whose  day  thou 
so  long  expectedst  and  so  desiredst  to  see. 

For,  as  thou  firmly  lielievedst,  so  now,  verily, 
thou  deservest  with  joyful  fa(;e  to  behold  Christ, 
born  of  thy  seed,  the  bestower  of  a  heavenly 
Kingdom. 

And  do  thou,  most  venerable  father  Isaac, 
rejoice  with  the  whole  Church,  for  the  bright 
vision  of  Christ,  and  His  descent  into  hell ;  the 
Christ,  of  Whom,  before  thy  death,  thoii  didst 
prophesy ;  and,  in  blessing  thy  son  Jacob,  thou 
didst  beautifully  prenote  and  commend  the 
Anointed  One  as  blessed  above  all  Saints,  say- 
ing, "  See,  the  smell  of  my  son  is  as  the  smell 
of  a  field,  which  the  Lord  hath  blessed.  Cui-sed 
be  every  one  that  curseth  thee,  and  blessed  be 
eveiy  one  that  blesseth  thee." 


MediMiona  ov  the  TAfe  of  Christ.      235 

Wherefore,  also,  I,  hearing  and  reading  these 
things,  give  thanks  to  Thee,  my  God,  and  I 
bless  Thy  Name,  O  most  sweet  Jesu  Christ, 
above  all  the  names  of  Saints ;  that  I  may,  with 
Thine  Elect,  be  blessed  now  and  forever,  and 
may  abound  in  all  heavenly  virtues,  and  be 
made  happy  with  Thy  holy  Angels. 

And,  do  thou,  O  Jacob,  most  renowned 
wrestler,  rejoice  in  this  day,  and  that  especially 
for  the  joyful  presence  and  celestial  glory  of 
Jesus  Christ ;  of  Whom  thou  in  days  of  old, 
when  blessing  thy  sons,  didst,  with  faithful 
prayer,  thus  prophesy :  "  I  shall  wait  for  Thy 
Salvation,  O  Lord." 

O  truly  sweet  words  to  the  ear !  Full  of 
peace  to  the  pious  !  O  salutarj'  utterance  !  in 
which  is  latently  signified  the  Name  of  Jesus, 
the  Messiah,  by  Patriarchs  and  Prophets  so 
long  desired,  so  patiently  waited  for,  and  at  last 
presented  to  sight. 

"  For  there  is  none  other  name  under  heaven 
given  among  men,  whereby  we  must  be  saved, 
than  the  Name  of  Jesus,"  sweetest  of  all  names 
for  ever  and  ever — blessed  above  all  for  all  ages. 

Jesus  Himself,  indeed,  promised  in  the  Law, 
the  Salvation  of  God,  born  of  a  Vii'gin,  and 
tortm-ed  on  the  Cross,  rose  again  the  third  day ; 
having  fulfilled  all  things,  which  the  holy  Patri- 
archs and  Prophets  spake  concerning  Him. 


236      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Speak,  therefore,  now  0  holy  Jacob — speak 
openly  in  the  joy  of  thy  heart.  Tell  of  Christ 
appearmg  in  the  glory  of  His  Father,  before 
the  Angels  of  God,  '•  I  behold  now  niy  Lord  face 
to  face,  and  my  soul  is  made  safe."  What 
more  dost  thou  desu"e  f  What  greater  happi- 
ness couldest  thou  have  f 

If  thou  hadst  such  great  joy  when  thou  saw- 
est  the  Angel  of  God,  how  much  more  oughtest 
thou  now  to  glory,  in  that  thou  art  permitted 
to  see  the  Lord  of  Angels.  If  thy  spirit  revived 
when  thou  heardest,  "Joseph  thy  son  is  yet 
aJive  ;  and  has  rule  over  all  the  land  of  Egypt," 
how  much  more  wilt  thou  rejoice  over  the 
Resurrection  of  Christ  from  the  grave,  never  to 
die  again,  but  to  reign  for  ever  over  all  things 
in  heaven  and  on  earth. 

O  all  ye  holy  Patriarchs  and  Prophets,  O 
kings  and  leaders  of  the  people,  O  old  men  and 
young,  O  virgins  and  faithful  widows,  O  Priests 
and  Levites,  Doctors  and  Scribes,  O  spirits  and 
souls  of  just  men,  O  ye  that  are  holy  and  hum- 
ble at  heart,  this  day  rejoice  and  be  glad  in 
Jesus  Christ  our  Saviour ! 

Praise  and  extol  Him  for  ever,  because  He 
came  to  visit  you,  and  to  rejoice  the  hearts  of 
all  who  were  waiting  for  the  redemption  of  His 
people  Israel. 

And  now,  O  most  loving  Lord  Jesu  Christ 


Meditatims  on  the  Lift'  of  Christ.      237 

Thou  true  salvation  of  my  soul,  and  my  entire 
hope  in  this  frail  life,  from  my  youth  up  unto 
mine  old  age;  yea,  at  this  present  day  and 
hour,  forsake  me  not,  I  beseeeh  Thee,  when  I 
am  i)oor  and  weak,  'mid  tribulations  and  temp- 
tations in  various  ways  assailing  me. 

Comfort  me,  my  God,  in  every  trouble  of  my 
heart,  by  the  merits  of  Thy  most  sacred  Pas- 
sion ;  and  by  the  vehement  grief  and  the  plen- 
teous tears,  which  Thou,  out  of  compassion  for 
me,  didst  pour  forth  on  the  (^ross. 

Make  me  also  partaker  of  the  gladness  of  all 
Thy  beloved  Saints — the  Patriarchs,  Prophets 
and  Apostles,  who  rejoice  with  Thee  in  the 
Kingdom  of  Heaven. 

Kememl^er,  O  Lord,  Thy  holy  Word  which 
Thou  spakest :  "  For  numy  will  come  from  the 
East  and  the  West,  and  shall  sit  do^\Ti  with 
Abraham,  Isaac,  and  Jacob  in  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.'' 

Grant,  therefore,  I  beseech  Thee,  O  Lord, 
that  I  may  be  admitted  to  this  holy  fellowship 
and  celestial  feast  in  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven ; 
O  Thou,  who,  on  this  day,  didst  rise  from  the 
grave  in  Thy  glorious  Body,  and  didst  stead- 
fastly promise  the  joys  of  eternal  Life  with  the 
Angels  above  to  all  who  love  Thee ;  Who  liv- 
est  and  reignest  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy 
Ghost,  ever  one  God,  world  ^v^thout  end.  Amen. 


238      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 


CHAPTER   II. 

ON    THE    DEVOUT    \aSITING    OF    THE    HOLY   SEP 
ULCHRE    OF   THE   LORD   JESU   CHRIST. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  the  Comforter 
of  all  that  are  sad  and  sorrowing,  I  "Ijless 
and  thank  Thee  for  that  devout  ^dsit  of  the 
holy  women,  who  very  eai'ly  in  the  morning,  at 
the  rising  of  the  sun,  came  to  Thy  Sepulclu-e, 
there  to  see  clearly  aU  that  had  been  done  on 
that  jnost  solemn  night,  a  night  blessed  indeed 
above  all  nights. 

I  praise  and  highly  honor  that  sacred  fervor 
of  the  saintly  women — the  noble  ladies,  seeking 
again  to  anoint  Thy  most  holy  Body ;  because, 
so  early  in  the  nK»rning,  while  it  was  yet  dark 
and  the  rest  of  the  world  deep  in  sleep,  they 
hastily  arose  and  went  together  to  the  Sepul- 
chre (all  so  quietly  and  privately),  carrying  the 
spices  they  had  prepared  for  Thine  anointment. 

O  what  great  sorrow  sprang  up  in  their 
hearts,  what  tears  came  to  their  eyes,  when,  on 
their  way,  they  passed  by  Calvary,  and  beheld 
the  Cross,  marked  the  traces  of  Thy  Passion, 
and  tho  Light  of  all  Thy  wounds ! 

O  what  anguish  oppressed  them  and  forced 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  C'hriat.      239 

tears  from  tlieii*  cvl's,  avIr'h  they  beheld  the 
Sepulchre,  and  said  amon|j:  themselves,  "  Who 
shall  roll  away  the  stoue  for  us  from  the  door 
of  the  Sepulchre '! " 

For  they  knew  full  well,  that  they  could  not, 
by  their  own  strength,  remove  so  great  a  stone 
from  the  tomb. 

Fear  therefore  urged  them  to  go  back,  but 
love  pi-essed  them  onward,  regardless  of  the 
soldier- guard.  "  O,  if  Peter  and  John  were 
here,  we  might  then  indeed  hope  that  gladly 
they  would  aid  us  !  " 

It  is  better,  O  good  women,  that  the  Apostles 
should  be  in  their  homes,  away  unseen,  and 
meanwhile  pi-ay  for  you ;  that  God  would  pro- 
tect you  and  fulfil  your  desire ;  far  better  than 
that  they  should  come  here  into  bodily  peril, 
and  the  soldiers  slay  them. 

For  thence  would  arise  a  gi'eater  sori'ow,  and 
heavily  oppress  you  :  if,  after  our  Lord's  Cruci- 
fixion, His  disciples  also  should  be  put  to  death. 

What  then  will  ye  do,  and  whither  will  ye 
go  ?  Hold  together,  I  entreat  you,  and  pray. 
Fear  not,  but  in  safety  advance.  Trust  in  the 
Lord,  for  help  will  soon  be  with  you  from 
heaven,  and  a  comforting  reply  from  the  An- 
gel, who  knows  what  has  come  to  pass  concern- 
ing the  buried  Lord. 

God  sees  your  heart ;  who  ye  are  and  whence 


240      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

ye  are ;  whom  ye  seek,  and  what  ye  bear  in 
your  hands  beneath  your  cloaks. 

For  a  sweet  savor  from  your  spices  ascends 
before  God  'mid  the  heavenly  hosts ;  and  the 
holy  Angels  rejoice  in  the  sweetness  of  your 
devout  prayers,  and  the  glowing-  love  ye  have 
for  Jesus,  now  made  manifest  by  your  pious 
act. 

Love  truly  overcometh  all  things  and  feareth 
no  one.  Love  resteth  not  until  it  gains  sight 
of  the  beloved. 

Therefore  make  ye  haste,  go  forward  and  be 
silent.  Observe  the  Sepulchre  diligently ;  and, 
if  it  be  open,  enter  without  fear. 

If  ye  fear  to  enter,  wait  awhile  and  pray. 
Look  heavenwards,  knock  at  the  door  with 
mourning  and  weeping,  until  the  Angel  of  the 
Lord  descend  from  heaven,  and  say  unto  you, 
"  Be  not  affrighted,  for  I  know  that  ye  seek 
Jesus  which  was  crucified.  Come  and  see  the 
place  where  the  Lord  was  laid.  He  is  not  here 
(as  ye  see)  for  He  is  risen  as  He  said  unto  you." 
If  ye  now  keep  His  words  well  in  remembrance, 
no  doubt  ought  ye  to  have  of  His  Resurrection. 

The  love  of  Jesus  during  His  Passion  sad- 
dened you  ;  the  love  of  Him  in  His  Resurrection 
will  give  you  joy.  Wait  a  little  whOe  and  ye 
wiU  assuredly  see  Him. 

No  longer  seek  Him  lying  in  the  grave,  but 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      241 

as  living  with  Angels  in  Heaven.  He  is  not  in 
Bethany  supping  with  Martha,  but  sitting  at 
the  right  hand  of  the  Father  in  the  highest 
glor5^  He  is  not  in  a  small  boat  sailing  with 
Peter,  but  ruhng  over  all  the  heavenly  Hosts. 
He  is  not  preaching  on  the  mountain,  but  hold- 
ing sway  over  every  creature  in  heaven  and 
earth. 

Remember  how  He  said,  that  it  behoved  the 
Son  of  Man  to  be  crucified,  and  that  He  should 
be  raised  again  from  the  dead  the  third  day. 
Now,  therefore,  go  ye  hence  comforted  and 
strengthened  by  the  Angel. 

Go  quickly,  and  bear  the  good  news  to  His 
friends ;  and  tell  to  His  sorrowing  disciples  the 
glad  tidings  of  great  joy ;  lest  they  despau-, 
because  they  all  forsook  Jesus  and  fled.  Recall 
them  now  to  the  hope  of  pardon. 

But  to  Peter,  who  denied  Him  thrice,  and,  in 
sorrow  for  his  deed,  ceases  not  to  weep  most 
bitterly,  especially  say,  that  there  must  be  no 
distriTst;  bid  him  rather  cast  himself  on  the 
great  and  wonted  lo\aug-kindness  of  Jesus, 
which  has  been  so  often  shown  him ;  for  this 
very  day  he  shall  assuredly  see  Jesus,  and  great 
shall  be  liis  joy. 

Tell  him,  moreover,  all  that  ye  have  heard 
and  seen,  that  this  veiy  night  om*  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  is  risen  indeed. 


242      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

O  Saint  Peter,  cease  now  to  weep !  Rise 
quickly  and  come.  Run  with  St.  John,  enter 
with  safety  the  Sepulchre,  and  see  the  linen 
clothes  and  the  napkin  of  Jesus  lying  there. 

Believe  the  words  of  the  Angels,  saying,  that 
Jesus  is  risen  and  liveth ;  that  He  will  go  into 
Galilee,  and  there  appear  to  His  disciples. 

0  sweet  response  from  the  mouth  of  the 
Angel,  well  fitted  to  comfort  the  hearts  of  the 
afflicted,  and  to  give  hope  of  pardon  to  sinners. 

They  may  take  comfort  from  the  example  of 
Peter  and  many  other  Saints ;  who,  having 
fallen,  rose  again,  and  became,  in  their  service 
of  God,  stronger  than  ever. 

Blessed  be  God,  who  forsakes  not  the  troubled 
in  heart,  and  saves  such  as  are  of  a  humble 
spii'it,  and  strengthens  in  faith  those  that  seek 
none  but  Him,  and  yearn  not  for  any  other. 

O,  holy  women,  who  hear  so  much  that  is 
good  concerning  Jesus,  should  He  meet  you  by 
the  way  and  say,  "Hail,  Sisters,"  hold  Him 
firmly  by  the  feet,  and  let  Him  not  go  until  He 
bless  you. 

Adore  Him  with  knees  bent  on  the  earth, 
and  salute  Him  tenderly  with  lo^dng  words. 

1  praise  and  honor  Thee,  O  most  gi-acious 
Jesu,  for  Thy  great  kindness  and  tender  conso- 
lation, and  for  Thy  words  of  joyful  salutation, 
with  which  Thou  didst  gi*eet  the  holy  and  de- 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      243 

vout  womeu,  wlieii  they  mot  Thee ;  sutTering 
them  to  embrace  Thy  most  sacred  feet,  so  lately 
nailed  to  the  Cross — feet  that  were  brighter 
than  the  siiu,  whiter  than  snow,  more  beautiful 
than  the  carbuncle,  more  precious  than  gold, 
more  fragrant  than  all  balm  and  perfume. 

O  glorious  Jesus !  I  most  earnestly  thank 
Thee  for  sending  Thy  holy  Angel  from  heaven 
to  roll  away  the  stone  from  the  Sepulchre. 
That  he  might  frighten  awciy  the  impious 
guards  from  the  sacred  place,  where  Thou  wast 
quietly  at  rest,  like  some  strong  lion  in  his  den. 

That  he  might  make  for  the  men  and  womeu 
a  free  access  to  the  Tomb ;  that  he  might  com- 
fort all  that  mourned  for  Thee,  dead  and 
buried ;  that  he  might  strengthen  in  the  faith 
the  feeble-minded,  who  doubted  Thy  Resurrec- 
tion ;  that  he  might  rejoice  with  Thee  in  every 
good  tiling,  because  of  Thy  prosperous  return 
from  the  gi'ave,  and  the  happy  opening  of  the 
gate  of  Heaven. 

For  so  great  a  grief  had  seized  their  minds 
when  they  saw  Thee  crucified,  that  they  lost  all 
faith  and  hope  in  Thy  future  Resm-rection ; 
which  Thou  by  Thine  own  mouth  hadst  so  often 
foretold  to  them. 

Whence  from  mortal  man  no  comfort  could 
they  have  obtained  unless  in  the  morning  they 
had  paid  a  \asit  to  Thy  tomb,  and  there  heard 


244      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

from  an  Augel  that  Thou  hadst  verily  risen ; 
aud  had  seen  Thee  palpably  before  their  eyes, 
and,  as  full  proof  of  the  truth,  held  with  their 
hands  Thy  glorious  feet. 

These  things  being  done,  after  lovingly  greet- 
ing and  consoling  them,  Thou  didst  charge 
them  with  the  duty  of  declaring  the  glad  tid- 
ings; an  office  worthy  of  all  acceptation  and 
honor :  and  then  Thou  didst  very  tenderly  up- 
hold and  strengthen  them  by  Thy  gracious  ex- 
hortation, saying,  "Be  not  afraid,  go  tell  My 
brethi-en  that  they  go  into  Galilee,  there  shall 
they  see  Me." 

0  how  pleasant  are  those  words  to  the  ear, 
how  sweet  to  be  studied,  how  precious  for  medita- 
tion, how  fitted  to  keep  down  all  worldly  fables ! 

O  how  bright  the  eyes  that  have  seen  the 
Lord,  how  pm-e  the  hands  that  have  touched 
Jesus,  how  sacred  the  lips  that  have  pressed  on 
Him  a  kiss ! 

How  swift  have  their  feet  become  to  walk, 
how  eager  to  run ;  how  ready  their  hearts  to 
obey  ;  how  rejoiced  their  mouths  to  declare  to 
the  disciples  that  the  Lord  is  risen  ! 

Great  as  was  the  multitude  of  sorrows  on  the 
day  of  Preparation,  when  was  seen  the  shame- 
ful Cross  with  Jesus  thereon ;  greater  far  were 
the  joys  of  the  Passover,  when  His  glorious 
Resurrection  was  proclaimed. 


Meditation!!:  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      245 

The  reproaches  of  the  Jews  are  turned  into 
the  gi'eat  rejoicmg  of  the  Apostles;  and  the 
offence  of  the  Cross  into  the  remedy  of  eternal 
salvation. 

The  tears  of  the  Saints  are  changed  into  the 
songs  of  Angels  ;  and  the  stripes  of  the  scourg- 
ers  and  the  nails  into  remission  of  our  sins. 

0  most  sweet  Jesu  Christ,  move  my  heart 
also  to  love  Thy  holy  and  blessed  Name,  which 
is  far  above  all  Saints  m  heaven  and  earth ; 
that,  every  morning,  at  break  of  day,  with 
Mary  Magdalene  and  her  companions,  I  may 
remember  and  seek  Thee  in  the  sepulchre  of 
my  heart.  May  I  die  entu'ely  to  this  workl, 
and  devoutly  (.'leave  to  Thee  ni  the  silence  and 
secrecy  of  prayer. 

Take  fnmi  me  all  hardness  of  heart,  all  bod- 
ily sloth,  and  all  drowsiness  of  mine  eyes. 

Pour  into  me  the  gi-aee  of  penitence,  increase 
in  me  the  joy  of  devotion,  to  the  glory  of  Thy 
holy  Name ;  a  Name  worthy  indeed  to  be  cele- 
brated in  this  holy  solemnity. 

Accept  the  fii-st  fruits  of  my  lips  for  a  sacri- 
fice of  perpetual  praise,  and  may  Thy  holy 
Angels,  who  gnarded  Thy  holy  Sepulchre  with 
so  great  reverence  and  respect,  faithfully  guard 
me,  day  and  night,  from  all  dangers  ghostly 
and  bodily. 

And  do  Thou,  O  Lord,  stand  by  me,  especially 


246      Meditations  on  the  TAfe  of  Christ. 

in  the  hour  of  prayer ;  lest  I  begin  to  wander 
by  looking  about  me,  and  put  vain  fancies  of 
things  earthly  where  that  wliich  is  heavenly 
should  be ;  so  negieetiug  Thee  in  Thy  holy 
place. 

Wliei-e  it  behoves  me  in  every  way,  with 
great  reverence  and  attention,  to  stand  in  the 
presence  of  Thy  glory  as  a  suppliant  pleader, 
drawn  in  soul  heavenward.  Then  shall  I,  for- 
getting for  Thy  sake  all  worldly  things,  be,  as 
far  as  possible,  wholly  united  to  Thee  with  a 
pure  heart. 

For  what  are  all  things  here  below  but  vanity 
of  vanities?  Truly,  in  comparison  with  heav- 
enly joys,  every  earthly  pleasure  is  as  nothing 
before  Thee. 

Grant  me,  therefore,  O  my  God,  Thou  that 
art  the  beauty  and  glory  of  Angels,  that  I  may 
ponder  every  word  and  the  full  sense  of  the 
Psalms,  and  other  songs  and  hymns,  which  are 
sung  and  said  in  the  church ;  as  far  as,  in  my 
frail  condition,  I  am  able  to  receive  and  under- 
stand them.  May  this  continue  until  I  come  to 
Thee,  the  true  Light,  lightening  my  darkness, 
and  causing  all  the  citizens  of  the  heavenly 
Jerusalem  to  rejoice. 

Accept  also,  on  this  sacred  day  of  the  gi^eat 
Festival,  in  the  place  of  the  ointments  of  sweet 
savor,  pressed  out  of  frankincense  and  myrrh. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      247 

the  frequent  and  bitter  secret  sigliings  of  my 
mouth ;  uttered  for  all  my  sins  and  negligences, 
committed  hy  me  in  thought,  word,  and  deed. 
So  that  now,  as  a  new  man,  born  again  in  the 
Spirit,  and  clothed  in  white,  I  may,  with  hum- 
ble confession  of  my  sins,  be  deemed  in  Christ 
meet  to  appear  among  Thy  devout  ones,  pm*e 
and  joj^ful. 

Henceforth  I  offer  to  Tliee,  instead  of  the 
precious  ointments  of  balsam  and  honey,  all 
the  holy  desires  of  my  heart,  and  the  sacred 
exercises  of  the  Faithful,  together  with  the  song 
of  Angels  and  the  rejoicing  of  all  the  heavenly 
host,  in  praise  of  the  Blessed  Trinity,  and  in 
honor  of  Thy  joyful  Resurrection.     Amen. 


CHAPTER   ni. 

ON   THE  APPEARANCE  OF    JESUS    TO   MARY  MAG- 
DALENE IN  THE  FORJI   OF   A   GARDENER. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Maker  of  all 
things  and  Diseerner  of  the  secrets  of 
the  heart,  I  bless  and  give  Thee  thanks  for  Thy 
friendly  appearance  to  the  blessed  Mary  Mag- 
dalene, Thy  most  fervently  devoted  follower,  as 
she  stood  weeping  near  to  the  Sepulchre. 
To  her  Thou  didst  deign  to  shew  Thyself  in 


248      Mediations  on  the  lAfe  of  Christ. 

the  form  of  a  gardener,  talking  familiarly  with 
her,  and,  of  Thy  special  favor  to  her,  reveahug 
many  secrets  of  Thy  Divinity  and  mj'steries  of 
Thy  Humanity. 

Thou  didst  first  inform  her,  before  all  others, 
of  Thy  glorious  Resurrection;  and,  after  her 
mournful  complaints  and  wearisome  searchings. 
Thou  didst  abundantly  gladden  her. 

I  praise  and  highly  exalt  Thee  for  Thy  kind 
visitation  and  sweet  address  to  Mary  Magda- 
lene, all  so  desolate,  inquiring  of  her : — "  Why 
weepest  Thou  '? "     "  Whom  seekest  Thou  ? " 

O  sweet  Jesus,  and  most  gracious  Master ! 
Who  knowest  all  things  before  they  come  to 
pass,  why  askest  Thou  concerning  things  of 
which  Thou  hadst  perfect  knowledge  ? 

Thou  knowest  that  she  seeks  nothing,  desii-es 
nothing,  biit  Thee  only,  Whom  above  all  things 
she  triUy  loves.  She  grieves  and  weeps  because 
she  found  Thee  not  in  the  Sepulchre ;  for  she 
has  lost  her  dearest  friend  on  earth. 

As  oft  as  she  thinks  of  Thee,  or  hears  Thee 
spoken  of,  or  sees  Thy  Tomb,  or  pictures  Thy 
Cross — indeed  anything  pertaining  to  Thee — 
forthwith  her  heart  is  moved  within  her,  and 
she  weeps.  Love  knows  no  rest  unless  it  finds 
what  it  seeks,  has  what  it  loves,  and  secm^es 
that  which  it  desires. 

If,  to-day  in  Thy  presence  she  weeps  on  this 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      24!) 

so  gi'eat  a  Festival,  be  not  Thou  an<2:ry,  0  Lord  ; 
it  is  her  love  that  works  upon  her ;  her  entire 
devotion  to  Thee,  which  allows  her  neither  to 
sleep  nor  to  take  rest. 

That  it  was  which  constrained  her  to  rise  ere 
it  was  day,  that  she  niig-ht  anoint  Thee.  And 
now,  because  she  finds  Thee  not,  she  weeps  and 
sorrows  sadly  for  Thee. 

Just  as  the  love  burns  within  her,  so  is  her 
desire  inflanied  to  seek  Thee.  If  she  could  fly 
as  an  Angel,  she  would  assuredly  Aving  her  way 
over  hills  and  mountains,  and  beyond  the  stars 
of  the  firmament,  in  search  of  Thee  ;  even  above 
the  Cherubim  and  Seraphim  would  she  soar,  to 
find  Thee  in  Thy  Kingdom,  seated  on  the  lofti- 
est throne  of  Thy  Father. 

This  was  not  granted  to  her  on  that  day,  nor 
is  it  given  to  all  to  l)e  caught  up  with  Paul  to 
the  thii"d  Heaven ;  but  only  to  those,  for  whom 
it  is  prepared  of  Thy  Father,  at  the  fitting 
season  fore-ordained  of  God. 

O  gentle  Jesus  !  Thou  Comforter  of  sorrow- 
iflg  souls,  have  compassion  on  Mary  in  her 
tears ;  succor  the  mournful ;  speak  to  her  that 
loves  Thee;  speak,  if  but  one  word,  and  her 
sorrow  will  be  healed. 

Speak  hut  Thy  Name,  O  Lord,  let  Thy  voice 
sound  in  her  ears,  and  straightway  her  spirit 
will  revive.     Show  Thy  face,  O  Jesu  of  a  comely 


250      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

countenance,  and  her  soul  will  in  Thee  most 
sweetly  rejoice.  Call  her  by  her  own  name, 
and  forthwith  she  "wall  stay  her  weeping. 

Why,  I  pray  Thee,  0  Lord,  dost  Thou  hide 
Thy  face  from  one  that  loves  Thee  ;  so  earnestly 
does  she  seek  Thee,  and  so  bitterly  does  she 
weep  for  Thee  ? 

Wliy  takest  Thou  the  form  of  another? 
Why  feignest  Thou  to  be  the  gardener,  when 
Thou  art  her  loved  Lord  and  Master?  Her 
Lord  in  ruling  her,  her  Master  in  teaching 
her. 

Say  then,  ''  I  am  Jesus  Whom  thou  seekest, 
be  still  and  weep  not ;  in  place  of  tears  let  there 
be  peace."  But,  O  kind  Jesus !  in  this  what 
good  designest  Thou  ?  for  what  cause  defen-est 
Thou  the  desire  of  her  soul  ? 

I  know  Thy  plan.  It  is  because  Thou  doest 
and  disposest  all  things  with  a  wisdom  that 
foreseeth.  Thou  deceivest  no  man,  neither  art 
Thou  deceived ;  for  Thou  art  a  just  God,  in  all 
Thy  ways  true  and  righteous. 

And  therefore  didst  Thou  hide  from  the 
weeping  Mary  the  brightness  of  Thy  counte- 
nance, that  she  might  not  know  Thee ;  that  so 
Thou  mightest  the  more  stir  up  towards  Thee 
the  desire  of  her  heart,  and  prove  the  strength 
of  her  patience  ;  and,  further,  that  Thou  might- 
est. by  afflicting  and  delaving,  more  thoroughly 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      251 

cleanse  lier ;  and  bring  her,  after  long  soitow- 
ing  and  many  tears,  to  greater  joy. 

By  this  also  Thou  hast  shown  to  the  devout^ 
for  their  niueh  comfort  in  the  hour  of  tribula- 
tion, an  example  of  the  patience  and  penitence 
of  St.  Mary.  Wlio,  though  greatly  beloved  by 
Thee,  and  adorned  with  many  gifts,  was  yet  in 
this  life  often  afflicted,  grieved,  oppressed,  and 
for  a  time  desolate.  All  this  was  for  the  in- 
crease of  her  own  holy  .service,  and  for  the 
profit  of  other  Christians,  but  never  was  she 
wholly  deserted  or  despised. 

0  how  wisely  and  how  tenderly  dost  Thou, 
O  Lord,  deal  with  Thy  loved  ones ;  whether  by 
trials  or  by  comfortings,  until  Thou  bringest 
them  to  Thyself,  and  into  the  eternal  rest  of  a 
heavenly  Paradise ! 

And  needful  is  it,  that  in  various  ways  they 
should  be  proved  by  temptations,  and,  like 
gold,  be  purged  in  the  fire  of  tribulation. 

That  therefore  they  may  be  made  meet  for 
the  Kingdom  of  God,  and  fitted  to  enjoy  the 
heavenly  vision,  they  should  consider  whatever 
comes  from  Thy  hand  as  a  blessing,  and  an 
earnest  of  the  Life  eternal;  that  Life,  which 
Thou  hast  promised  to  every  devout  soul  tliat 
continues  to  weep  and  to  pray,  as  did  Mary 
Magdalene  before  Thee  this  day. 

0  God  of  Israel,  how  good  art  Thou  to  those 


252      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

that  ai'e  of  a  i-iglit  spirit,  who  seek  Thee  in 
truth  and  lowhness,  with  son'ow  and  weeping, 
as  Mary  Magdalene  sought  and  found  Thee  ! 

For  whatever  is  hiboriously  looked  for  and 
with  difficidty  found,  the  more  valued  is  it  when 
secured,  and  the  more  carefully  watched  over. 

After  a  long  fast,  bread  tastes  the  sweeter ; 
after  a  bitter  draught,  water  is  more  pleasant 
to  the  drinker. 

After  night,  the  more  cheering  is  day  unto 
the  eyes ;  and  after  cold,  the  more  delightful  is 
a  fire. 

After  sorrows,  the  harp  has  a  more  charming 
sound  ;  and  after  heavj"  labors,  the  sweeter  are 
rest  and  sleej). 

After  fierce  wars,  peace  to  the  sufferers  is 
only  the  more  welcome.  The  stars  shine 
brighter,  as  the  mist  clears  away ;  birds  sing 
more  cheerfully,  when  the  sun  is  rising. 

So,  on  the  coming  of  Christ  with  grace,  the 
troubled  soul  is  renewed  like  the  eagle.  These 
things  are  sufficiently  manifest  in  the  beloved 
Mary  Magdalene ;  who,  after  long  weeping, 
was  abundantly  comforted  by  the  Lord  Jesus 
— "  O  how  plentifid  is  Thy  goodness,  0  Lord, 
which  Thou  hast  laid  up  for  them  that  fear 
Thee ! " 

Verily,  "  Thou  art  a  God  that  hidest  ThyseK," 
as  says  Esaias;    and   "besides  Thee  there   is 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      253 

none  other  like  unto  Thee,"  Who  knowest  so 
wisely  how  to  order  all  tilings  for  them  that 
love  Thee. 

O  good  Jesus,  eternal  Wisdom  of  the  Father, 
how  Inunbly  and  loxingly  didst  Thou  live 
among  men,  teaching  them  all  things  usefid 
and  salutary ;  to  despise  earthly  things,  to  love 
heavenly  things,  and  to  endure  tribulation  ! 

O  the  sweet  converse  of  Mary  with  Jesus,  the 
Saviour  of  the  world,  with  the  King  of  iVngels, 
with  the  Lord  of  Lords,  with  the  Prince  of  the 
heavenly  citizens,  with  the  Ruler  of  all  Saints ! 

Vei-ily,  O  Lord,  if  Mary  had  perfectly  knoTvn 
Thee,  she  would  never  have  supposed  Thee  to 
be  a  gardener ;  nor  would  she  have  said  to  Thee, 
''  Sir,  if  Thou  have  borne  Him  hence  tell  me." 

O  jNIary !  how  durst  thou  so  speak  to  Him, 
the  greatness  of  whose  power  thou  knewest  not  ? 
Wlienee  hast  thou  sucli  great  courage  that  thou 
boldly  saj'est,  "  I  "will  take  Him  away  ? "  How 
durst  thou  presume  that,  unaided,  thou  couldest 
carry  such  and  so  great  a  man  ? 

Tell  me  where  wilt  thou  bear  Him  ?  "WTio 
gave  thee  authority  to  take  away  that  which 
thou  didst  not  lay  down  ?  Thou  knowest  not 
what  thou  sayest. 

Call  first  thy  companions  and  prove  what 
thou  sayest,  whether,  wath  united  eflforts,  ye  are 
able  to  carry  Him  whom  ye  seek.     Perchance, 


254      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

not  having  foiiAd  the  sacred  Body  of  Christ,  so 
wearied  are  ye  by  journeying,  so  gi-eatly  weak- 
ened by  fasting  and  weeping  yesterday  and  to- 
day, ye  have  not  the  strength. 

O  Mary !  if  thou  art  alone,  and  all  others 
have  di-awn  back,  what  wilt  thou  do '?  Where- 
soever thy  Beloved  may  be,  ask  this  gardener 
to  help  thee  seek  and  carry  Him,  whom  thou 
lovest  and  fain  wouldest  find ;  that  dear  One, 
for  Whom  thou  weepest  and  so  often  sighest. 

No  one  can  help  or  comfort  thee  better  than 
this  gardener.  No  one  knows  better,  if  he  be 
willing  to  say,  where  thy  Lord  is  carried  or 
hidden.  My  belief  is  that,  out  of  His  great 
compassion,  He  hath  come  here  to  thee  to  show 
thee  where  He  Himself,  whom  thou  seekest,  is 
now ;  and  who  has  by  night  taken  Him  away 
from  the  Sepulckre. 

O  how  great  the  desire  of  this  holy  woman, 
ever  seeking,  ever  lamenting !  Speak  forth- 
with, I  beseech  Thee,  O  Lord,  if  it  be  but  one 
little  word,  by  which  Thy  dove,  hearing  Thy 
voice,  may  recognize  Thee ;  and,  rejoicing  at 
the  sight  of  her  Spouse,  may  cease  to  mourn. 

She  seeks  Thee,  she  longs  for  Thee.  Angels 
suffice  her  not,  nor  any  created  beings ;  neither 
is  she  content  with  any  human  solace  whatso- 
ever. Speak,  Lord,  for  Thy  servant.  Thy  de- 
vout visitor,  longs  to  hear  Thy  voice. 


Meditations  on  the   Life  of  Christ.      255 

Say  to  her  ''  Man,"  as  Tliou  wast  wont  to 
say  so  often  to  Tliy  beloved  liostess.  This  is 
her  name.  By  none  does  she  more  gladly 
hear  it  uttered  than  by  Thee,  her  only  hope. 
That  is  her  sole  desire,  for  Thou  art  her  all 
in  all. 

O  Mary,  know  Jesus,  by  Whom  thou  art 
known.  Love  Him  by  Whom  thou  art  first 
loved.  Answer,  beloved,  to  thy  beloved  Master, 
the  gardener  of  thy  heart. 

O  Lord,  my  Master,  I  give  Thee  thanks  be- 
cause Thou  hast  appeared  unto  me.  Behold 
now  I  have  Him  whom  I  have  sought.  Now 
see  I  Him  for  WHiom  I  haye  wept.  Far  better 
is  my  lot  than  1  dared  to  expect. 

Hap])y  day  and  blessed  hour !  on  which 
thou,  O  Mary,  after  the  mission  and  consolation 
of  the  Angel,  wast  permitted  to  see  the  Lord  of 
Angels,  and  to  hear  His  gracious  words,  sajdug 
unto  thee,  ''  Go  to  my  brethren,  and  say  unto 
them,  I  ascend  unto  My  Father  and  your 
Father,  and  to  My  God,  and  your  God." 

Mary,  therefore,  did  as  Jesus  commanded 
her.  Without  delay  and  without  a  murmur 
she  immediately  went,  joj-fuUy  declaring  to  the 
disciples  the  glad  tidings,  "Lo,  after  much  sor- 
row and  weeping,  I  have  seen  my  Lord." 

O  how  grateful  and  acceptable  were  those 
tears,  poured  forth  from  a  pure  heart,  moved 


256      Meditations^  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

by  perfect  love,  sweeter  far  than  the  alabaster 
box  of  precious  spices  ready  for  anointing ! 

Now,  therefore,  0  most  merciful  Jesu  Christ, 
Wlio  didst  deign  to  visit  and  comfort  the  de- 
vout Mary  Magdalene,  in  her  day  of  heavy  sor- 
row, I  beseech  Thee  by  Thy  tender  compassion 
to  show  Thy  mercy  in  like  manner  to  me ; 
when  my  soul  is  weary  and  soiTOwful,  op- 
pressed by  labor  of  body  and  grief  of  heart, 
through  some  e\al  passion  acting  against  me ; 
or  the  secret  withdrawal  of  the  sweetness  of 
Thy  gi-ace,  because  of  some  fault  of  mine,  bet^ 
ter  known  to  Thee  than  to  me  ;  or,  it  may  be, 
through  an  evil  conscience  oppressing  me  with 
thoughts  of  the  Judgment  to  come ;  teriifvdng 
me  on  account  of  my  daily  negligence  and  luke- 
warmness,  so  many  duties  neglected,  so  many 
vain  cares  allowed  to  intrude. 

O  Lord,  I  beseech  Thee,  in  the  day  of  my 
tribulation,  withdraw  not  Thine  hand  from  me, 
lest  I  lose  all  hope  of  the  pardon  of  my  sins ; 
but,  rather,  in  the  abundance  of  Thy  loving- 
kindness,  open  to  me  the  bosom  of  Thy  tender 
mercies ;  which  are  from  everlasting,  and  wiU 
endure  for  ever  upon  all,  who  with  their  whole 
heart  seek  Thee  and  desire  to  love  Thee. 

And,  of  Thy  wonted  tenderness,  restore  to 
me  the  grace  of  Thy  comfort,  for  which  above 
all  things  I  yearn  ;  and,  after  the  death  of  my 


Mfdifafions  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      257 

body,  show  to  me  the  sa\iug  joy  of  Thy  coun- 
tenance.    Amen. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

ON    THE    EXE3MPLARY    GRACES    AND    PRIVILEGES 
OF   THE   BLESSED   ]\IARY   MAGDALENE. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  heavenly  Physician,  Wlio, 
for  the  healing  of  our  souls,  didst  come  into 
this  world  to  save  sinnei-s,  and  through  repent- 
ance lovingly  to  restore  them  to  Thy  kingdom 
above. 

Thou,  who  didst  deign  to  be  born  of  Mary  a 
virgin,  didst  not  disdain  to  be  touched,  washed, 
wiped,  anointed,  and  kissed  by  Mary,  a  sinner, 
coming  a  weeping  penitent  to  Thee. 

O  gentle  Jesus,  Son  of  the  living  God,  merci- 
ful Sa\aour  of  the  world,  many  and  great  priv- 
ileges didst  Thou,  in  this  life,  compassionately 
bestow  on  the  blessed  Mary  Magdalene. 

For,  when  she  had  cast  aside  all  the  vanities 
of  the  world,  and  become  entirely  converted  to 
Thee,  Thou  didst  in  pity  accept  her  penitence, 
fuUy  pardon  aU  her  sins,  and  absolve  the  sad 
mourner  from  all  punishment. 

Thou  didst  breathe  into  her  heart  great  con- 


258      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

trition,  and,  lest  she  should  despah',  Thou  didst 
in  her  grief  pom-  upon  her  the  comfort  of  Thy 
grace,  inflame  her  soul  "with  the  fire  of  the  Com- 
forter, and  inwardly  renew  her  with  the  sweet- 
ness of  Thy  love. 

Thou  didst  bid  her  go  in  peace  with  good 
courage  ;  Thou  didst  warn  her  not  to  retm-n  to 
her  former  sins ;  and  didst  urge  her  to  continue 
steadily  in  holy  conversation,  and  in  sweet 
prayer. 

Never  didst  Thou  speak  a  severe  word  to  her, 
nor  reproach  her  with  the  least  sin  ;  never  didst 
Thou  reveal  to  any  one  the  e^dl  she  had  com- 
mitted ;  TL-dy,  Thou  didst  rather  excuse  her,  and 
set  forth  the  good  she  had  done,  as  an  example 
for  a  holy  life. 

When  invited  to  the  house  of  Simon  the 
leper.  Thou  wast  more  pleased  with  the  tears 
of  Maiy,  than  Thou  wast  gratified  with  the 
hospitality  of  the  Pharisee. 

Wlien  she  would  touch  Thee,  Thou  wast  not 
indignant ;  when  she  would  anoint  Thee,  Thou 
didst  not  spurn  her. 

Thou  presentedst  Thy  feet  to  her,  Thou  didst 
inchne  Thine  head,  Thou  didst  not  refuse  her 
kisses. 

With  Thy  mouth  Thou  didst  bless  her,  with 
Thy  hand  Thou  didst  sanctify  her,  with  Thy 
touch  Thou  didst  cleanse  her,  and  with  one 


Meditations  on  f/ir   Lift   of  Christ.      2')9 

short  senten(;e  Thou  didst  lieal  the  suffertT, 
saying:,  "Thy  faith  hath  saved  thee,  go  in 
peace." 

O  sweet  iitteranee,  coming-  from  the  mouth 
of  God,  full  of  gi-ace  and  compassion,  ever  to 
be  gratefully  remembered. 

Thou  wast  wont  to  visit  the  house  of  Mary 
and  Martha,  Thy  hospitable  friends,  in  Bethany, 
their  village.  There,  being  joyfully  received. 
Thou  didst  lodge  and  find  rest. 

There  Thou  didst  eat  and  drink  whatever 
was  placed  l)efoT*e  Thee  and  Thy  disciples,  food 
fitted  for  the  poor  and  needy,  who  have  but  a 
few  farthings  in  the  world.  No  confusion  was 
there,  no  noise,  no  foolish  jesting,  no  light 
laughter,  no  vain  word  was  heard. 

There,  with  great  reverence  and  due  order, 
Thou  didst  sit  at  the  table  as  the  lowly  Master. 
As  a  poor  man  Thou  didst  eat  together  wnth 
the  poor. 

There  Thou  wast  Reader  of  the  Refection 
and  Doctor  of  Di\'inity,  and  in  place  of  wine. 
Thou  didst  pledge  Thy  beloved  friends  with 
the  words  of  eternal  Life. 

There  Thou  didst  in  Thy  ^nsdom  instruct 
Martha,  who  was  ministering  to  Thee ;  and 
didst  graciously  excuse  Mary,  who  was  sweet- 
ly at  leism-e,  listening  diligently  to  the  words 
of  Thy  mouth.     Thou  didst,  when  her  sister 


260      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

complained  of  her  indolence,  meetly  commend 
Mary's  life  of  deep  contemplation. 

And  when  Judas,  the  traitor,  murmured  con- 
cerning the  ointment  poured  out  on  Thee,  Thou 
didst  justly  defend  Mary.  She  was  herself 
modestly  silent,  but  Thou  didst,  on  her  behalf, 
forthwith  reply  to  the  objections,  setting  forth 
her  good  deeds — not  one  word  didst  Thou  say 
of  her  failings. 

When  Mary  wept  over  her  brother  Lazarus, 
lying  dead  in  the  grave,  Thou  didst  weep  with 
her.  So  deeply  didst  Thou  moiu-n  with  Thy 
afflicted  friends,  that  many  said,  "  Behold ! 
how  He  loved  him." 

O  how  high  was  the  character  and  upright 
the  bearing  of  this  said  Lazarus ;  whom  Jesus 
loved  when  he  was  aUve,  raised  again  when  he 
was  dead,  and  supped  with  when  hfe  had  been 
restored ! 

O  gracious  Jesus,  Author  and  Rewarder  of 
all  good.  Thou  didst  not  forget  the  faithful  ser- 
vices, so  often  rendered  Thee  in  the  house  of 
Mary  and  Martha.  Small  benefits  Thou  didst 
rex)ay  by  gi-eat ;  for  bodily  aid  Thou  gavest 
spiritual  blessings ;  for  that  which  is  passing 
away,  Thou  didst  bestow  that  which  is  eternal. 

What  shall  I  say  more  ?  No  one  can  easily 
tell  forth  or  comprehend  all  Thy  mercies  vouch- 
safed unto  men ;    neither  can   any  one  suflfi- 


Meditatioiia  on  the  Life  of  C'hriat.      2G1 

cieutly  discern  the  signs  and  miracles  Avhich 
Thou  didst  in  Galilee,  in  Nazareth,  in  Bethany, 
in  Jerusalem,  in  Juda?a,  and  in  all  the  region  of 
the  Holy  Land — wondrous  acts,  WTOught  before 
Thy  disciples  and  all  the  people,  in  testimony 
of  the  truth ;  that,  from  Thy  words  and  all  Thy 
deeds  nu^rvellous  and  divine,  they  might  believe 
in  Thee.  For,  verily.  Thou  art  Christ,  the  Son 
of  God,  Who  came  into  this  world  for  the  sal- 
vation of  men. 

O  how  sublime  in  the  heavens !  how  lowly 
on  earth  !  how  holy  and  humble  to  men  when 
Thou  didst  heal  them !  how  severe  and  awful 
to  devils  when  cast  out  by  Thee  ! 

O  how  merciful  to  penitents  !  how  severe  to 
evildoers  !  how  compassionate  to  the  afflicted  ! 
how  generous  to  the  needy !  how  comforting 
to  those  who  mourn  ! 

Who,  under  all  circumstances,  is  so  faithful 
a  friend,  who  so  powerful  a  helper  in  every 
trouble,  as  Thou,  our  God  ? 

O  how  great  the  joy  which  Thou  didst  cause 
to  these  sisters,  when  Thou  didst  cry  aloud, 
"  Lazarus,  come  forth !  "  And  immediately,  in 
obedience  to  Thee,  the  Lord  of  life  and  death, 
he,  who  had  been  dead,  came  forth. 

Then  didst  Thou  say  to  Thy  disciples,  as  to 
Thine  appointed  ministers  of  souls,  "Loose 
him,  and  let  hini  go." 


262      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

O  that  Thou,  O  Lord,  wouldest  also  vouch- 
safe to  absolve  nie  from  all  the  bonds  of  my 
sins,  that  I  may  die  in  peace,  and  joj'fully  come 
to  Thee  ;  with  the  holy  Angels,  and  with  Mary 
and  Martha,  to  praise  Thee,  and  to  be  free  from 
all  sin  for  ever.     Amen. 


CHAPTER   V. 

ON   THE   GREAT  COINIPUNCTION   OP  MARY  MAGDA- 
LENE  IN   THE   PASSION   OF  THE   LORD. 

ETERNAL  praise  and  glory  be  to  Thee,  O 
most  lo\ing  Jesus  Christ,  for  the  very 
great  sanctity  of  Mary  Magdalene,  and  her  de- 
vout lamentation  at  Thy  sacred  and  bitter  Pas- 
sion. It  did  not  suffice  her  to  attend  on  Thee 
only  in  Thy  Hfetime — to  follow  Thee  through 
towns  and  villages,  that  she  might  see  the  signs 
and  miracles  which,  worthy  of  all  praise  and  hon- 
or, were  wrought  by  Thy  di\'ine  power ;  but  she 
also  constantly  and  sorrowfully  followed  Thee  in 
Thy  Passion,  even  to  Thy  death  upon  the  Cross. 
She  was  with  the  holy  Mary,  Thy  Mother, 
and  with  many  other  devout  and  holy  women, 
who  grieved  for  Thee  and  most  bitterly  wept 
on  the  way,  because  of  Thine  innocent  Death, 
and  Thy  most  giievous  Crucifixion. 


Mcdifafiona  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      263 

Tliin-efore,  as  loDg  as  she  could  see  Thee,  she 
followed  the  Cross,  weepiug,  moaning-,  sorrow- 
ing;, watching  Thy  footsteps,  -\\Tingmg:  her 
hands,  beating  her  breast,  and  wiping  her  eyes, 
while  floods  of  tears  poured  down  her  cheeks. 

For  she  perceived  that  nothing  more  loving 
could  she  do,  no  better  help  could  she  offer, 
than  inwardly  to  grieve,  all  day  and  night  bit- 
terly to  weep,  unceasingly  to  meditate  on  Thy 
sufferings. 

Because  she  deemed  Thine  every  wound  her 
own,  and,  by  how  nnich  the  more  she  loved 
Thee,  by  so  much  the  more  vehemently  did  she 
sorrow  and  weep. 

And,  when  she  saw  Thee  naked  and  nailed 
to  the  Cross,  she  stood  thereby  with  Thy 
Mother,  as  near  as  she  dared  approach ;  and, 
though  inwardly  oppressed  by  gi-ief  unbounded, 
nothing  in  the  world  would  induce  her  to  leave 
it;  until  Thy  Death  most  faithfully  did  she 
cleave  to  Thee  and  to  Thy  Mother. 

But  when  she  saw  Thee  die  on  the  Cross  with 
a  loud  cry,  her  soul,  oppressed  by  overwhelm- 
ing grief,  sank  within  her.  Her  mouth  refused 
all  nourishment.  81ee])  vanished  from  hei-  eyes. 
Tears  were  her  sole  comfort,  and  l)itter,  indeed, 
seemed  it  to  contimu-  in  this  world  without 
Thee. 

Unless,  therefore,  she  had  fully  submitted 


264      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

herself  to  Thy  will,  she  (jould,  after  Thy  depart- 
ure, hardly  have  remained  with  patience  in  the 
flesh.  Her  frequent  lamentations  showed,  that, 
without  Thy  presence,  this  life  had  no  pleasure 
whatever  for  her. 

But,  O  Mary,  bear  up  yet,  for  a  httle  season, 
in  this  hour  of  heavy  necessity.  For  the  love 
of  thy  Beloved  hanging  on  the  Cross,  bear  up 
with  the  Mother  of  Jesus  and  her  kindred. 
Forsake  her  not ;  quit  not  the  side  of  the  heart- 
rent  Vu'gin  Mother  of  Jesus,  as  though  thou 
couldest  no  longer  endure  such  sad  mourning, 
and  hear  such  cries  of  bitter  lamentation. 

Sorrow  with  the  sorrowing,  and  weep  with 
them  that  weep ;  that  thou  mayest  rejoice  with 
the  joyful,  in  the  glory  of  the  Resurrection. 

O  good  and  lo\T.ng  Jesus,  Maiy  acted  as 
Thou  didst  suggest.  In  accordance  with  Thy 
prediction  and  order,  she  reserved  the  ointment 
that  remained  to  anoint  Thy  Body  for  burial. 

She  did  not  forget  Thy  words,  neither  did  she 
sell  it  as  Judas  advised.  She  carefully  kept  it 
in  alabaster,  bought  yet  more,  and  so  made 
preparation  for  Tliee. 

Truly  in  the  hour  of  need,  a  friend  is  proved. 
It  is  the  act  of  kindness  that  manifests  true 
love. 

Therefore,  this  holy  faithfiil  Mary,  as  she 
loved  Thee  in  Ufe,  so,  at  Thy  Death  and  Burial, 


Meditatious  on  the   Life  of  Cliriat.      265 

she  shows  it  by  her  deeds ;  for  deep  was  her 
lameutation  and  devoted  her  care. 

Nothing:  necessary  for  the  due  bm-ial  of  Thy 
holy  Body  did  she  omit.  She  swathed,  anointed, 
covered,  and  bound  it,  and  sewed  together  the 
hnen  ck^thes  ;  and,  as  a  fittinu;-  ornament,  rever- 
ently placed  the  napkin  about  Thy  sacred  Head. 

Meanwhile,  she  wept  without  ceasing ;  find- 
ing her  comfort  in  being  i)ermitted  to  wait  on 
Thee,  to  attend  Thy  Mother  with  other  devoted 
followers,  and  to  see  that  all  things  about  Thee 
were  done  decently  and  in  order. 

Therefore,  when  Thy  holy  Body  was  buried, 
and  closed  in  firmly  by  a  stone  duly  sealed, 
there  arose  fresh  sorrowing  and  w^ailing;  as 
though  henceforth  Mary  woidd  not  in  this 
woiid  see  again  One,  with  Whom  she  had  once 
enjoyed  so  close  an  alliance  of  spiritual  life  and 

joy- 

Nor  yet,  when  the  tomb  was  closed,  was  she 
able  forthwith  to  leave  the  place,  in  which  lay 
hidden  the  treasure  of  the  world. 

With  many  other  devout  women  she  sat  till 
sunset  weeping,  until  tears  utterly  failed  them ; 
and  loving  lamentations  abundantly  poured 
they  forth  from  their  inward  hearts,  as  it  is 
written  of  them,  "The  women,  sitting  before 
the  Sepulchre,  wept  and  sorrowed  for  their 
Lord." 


260      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Would  that  I  had  such  a  soitow,  O  Jesus 
Christ,  my  Lord,  in  meditating-  on  Thy  sacred 
Passion,  as  that  endiu'ed  by  the  devout  Mary 
Magdalene,  on  the  day  of  the  Preparation ; 
when  she  beheld  Thy  Crucifixion,  Death,  and 
Burial ;  and  saw  Thee,  by  nearly  all,  despised, 
mocked,  and  reproached. 

But,  thanks  to  Thee,  O  most  patient  Jesu, 
this  false  rumor  concerning  Thee  continued 
not  long;  for,  after  thi'ee  days,  Thou  didst 
overcome  and  confound  Thine  enemies,  by  ris- 
ing again  freed  from  the  dead. 

Truly,  O  Lord,  Thy  word  was  fulfilled,  which, 
in  the  presence  of  Thy  disciples.  Thou  didst 
foretell  of  Mary  Magdalene,  in  praise  of  her 
good  work  wrought  on  Thee,  "  Verily  I  say 
unto  you,  wheresoever  this  Gospel  shall  be 
preached  throughout  the  whole  world,  there 
also  shall  this,  which  she  hath  done,  be  told  for 
a  memorial  of  her." 

Verily,  Thy  whole  house  is  filled  with  the 
odor  of  the  ointment,  i.e.,  the  universal  Church 
of  the  Faithful,  widely  spread  throughout  the 
world,  is  clearly  imbued  mtli  apostohc  doc- 
trines, and  made  steadfast  in  divine  truth. 

For  by  Apostles  and  Evangelists  is  the  fame 
of  her  great  sanctity  set  forth,  and  therefore  by 
Preachers  and  Doctors  is  it  openly  proclaimed. 
Moreover,  by  all  the  Clergy,  and  by  laity  of 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      267 

both  sexes,  is  her  glorious  festival  yearly  hon- 
ored aud  celebrated  in  holy  Church,  with 
marked  devotion.  There  is  joy  that  her  happy 
soul  hath  passed  from  this  world  to  Thee,  the 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to  dAvell  with  Thee  for  ever 
in  Thy  eternal  habitations. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

ON  THE  APPEARANCE  OF  CHRIST  TO  ST.  PETER 
IN  SECRET,  AND  ON  ST.  PETER'S  RUNNING 
WITH   ST.   JOHN. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Thou  Chief 
Shepherd  of  Thy  Holy  Church,  and  our 
faithful  High  Priest  Godward,  I  bless  and  give 
Thee  thanks  for  Thy  great  love  and  unspeak- 
able pity,  which  Thou  didst,  in  divers  ways, 
show  to  Thy  blessed  Apostle  Peter ;  for  the 
divine  converse  which  Thou  didst  hold  with 
him ;  and  for  the  secret  visions  which  Thou 
didst  so  often  manifest  unto  him. 

Nor  didst  Thou,  after  his  tlirice  denj-ing 
Thee,  cast  him  away  from  Thy  love ;  but,  out 
of  Thy  tender  compassion.  Thou  didst  forthwith 
bring  back  his  heart  to  bitter  weeping,  and 
didst  mercifully  and  fully  pardon  his  ever}' 
offence  against  Thee — yea,  Thou  didst  of  Thy 


268      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

clemency,  after  his  heavy  fall,  lovingly  restore 
him  to  his  wonted  high  and  honorable  rank. 

0  Fountain  of  mercy  and  never  faihng 
stream  of  heavenly  gifts,  cleansing  the  penitent, 
and  all  who  weep  over  their  past  sins  !  O  most 
tender  bestower  of  pardon  and  givei'  of  celestial 
grace  !  0  sweet  Lord  Jesu  Christ,  beloved  by 
all  Thy  Saints  and  friends,  the  Elect  from  ever- 
lasting ;  Thou  who  ceasest  not  to  do  good,  but 
poui'est  forth  blessings  on  aU  that  flee  to  Thee 
for  succor,  and  with  hearty  repentance  humbly 
seek  Thy  forgiveness ! 

1  praise  and  specially  honor  Thee  for  Thy 
great  goodness,  in  that  this  day  Thou  didst  in 
some  secret  place,  better  kno"wai  to  Thee  than 
to  me,  verily  appear  to  Thy  beloved  Apostle  St. 
Peter,  for  his  special  comfort,  at  that  time  so 
greatly  needed  by  him. 

For  he  who  had  offended  the  most,  the  most 
stood  in  need  of  consolation  and  support ;  and 
no  better  Comforter,  no  mightier  helper  can 
there  be,  than  Thou,  Jesus  our  Creator  and  Re- 
deemer. 

Therefore,  0  blessed  Jesu  Christ,  the  dis- 
cerner  and  restorer  of  all  that  are  in  tribula- 
tion, and  have  fallen  into  sin,  I  render  Thee 
thanks  for  Thy  timely  succor  of  Peter,  Thine 
eiTing  sheep  :  lest,  oppressed  by  excessive  grief, 
he  should  despair  of  pardon ;  or,  not  having 


Mediiations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      1269 

found  Thy  sacred  Body  in  tlio  Sepnlchro,  he 
should  doubt  Thy  Kesurreetion. 

As  a  loving  and  wise  Physician  of  afflicted 
souls.  Thou  didst  send  Thy  holy  Angel  to  en- 
courage Peter,  and  restore  him  to  the  hoi)e  of 
pardon.  Thy  messenger,  tenderly  speaking  to 
the  women,  directed  them  thus  to  say  to  Peter, 
"  Go  quickly,  and  tell  His  disciples  and  Peter, 
that  Jesus  is  risen." 

O  good  and  holy  Angel,  lest  Peter  should 
despair  on  account  of  his  thnce  denying  Christ, 
how  well  and  rightly  didst  thou  especially  call 
him  by  his  familiar  name,  given  him  first  by 
his  Lord,  M-lien  summoned  to  the  dignity  and 
office  of  an  Apostle  ! 

For  liearing  himself  named  by  the  Angel, 
and  kindly  gTceted  by  the  holy  women,  he  be- 
came more  cheerful  in  mind.  With  confidence 
renewed,  and  forgetting  aJl  labor  and  sorrow, 
SA\-iftly  he  ran  ^^-ith  John  to  the  place  of  bui-ial. 

But  when  he  saw  all  things  so  done  by  the 
Lord  as  had  been  declared  to  him  by  the 
women,  and  also  by  the  holy  Angel,  who  de- 
ceives not,  but  is  a  witness  of  the  tmth,  and  a 
faithful  herald  of  the  ResuiTCction  accom- 
plished, there  at  once  re\-ived  in  him  a  hope  of 
life — a  firm  assurance  of  eternal  salvation. 

Therefore,  inwardly  full  of  wonder  and 
greatly  rejoicing  in  the  Lord,  Peter  longed  also 


270      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

to  see  Jesus,  that  He  would  appear  unto  him,  as 
at  first  He  appeared  to  Mary  Magdalene. 

"  Let  her  be  fii\st  among  women,  sufficient  for 
me  to  be  second  or  third  among  men,  or  the 
last  among  His  Apostles  and  Disciples.  Yet, 
be  it  unto  me  as  to  Himself  seemeth  meet  and 
right,  according  to  His  good  pleasure,  for  the 
salvation  of  my  soul. 

"I  ardently  desire  to  see  my  Lord,  that  I 
may  be  perfectly  reconciled  to  Him,  and  com- 
forted by  the  words  of  His  mouth.  '  Let  Thy 
tender  mercies  come  unto  me,  O  Lord,  that  I 
may  live,'  and  let  me  never  again  rely  on  my 
own  strength. 

"  Remember,  I  beseech  Thee,  all  Thy  loving- 
kindness,  and  the  holy  supplication  which  Thou 
didst  make  to  the  Father  for  me,  and,  also. 
Thy  prayer  on  the  Cross  for  sinners. 

"  Come,  O  gentle  Jesus,  tarry  not.  Thou  art 
my  hope,  and  the  alone  salvation  of  my  soul. 
Show  Thyself  to  me,  and  I  shall  l>e  safe — 
greater  wall  be  my  joy,  in  that  I  saw  Thee  on 
this  holy  day  of  the  Passover." 

And  so  it  came  to  pass ;  Jesus  assented  to 
the  pious  desires  of  His  beloved  Apostle  Peter. 
For  the  tender  and  compassionate  Saviour  was 
soon  present  with  one,  who  so  zealously  sought 
for  Him. 

And,    therefore.   He   received   the   weeping 


Mpclitations  on  fhf  TAfe  of  Christ.      271 

penitent  back  to  His  bosom,  gi-acionsly  blotting 
out  all  the  offences  against  Himself,  so  cow- 
ardly committed  in  the  ni<rht  season. 

Jesus,  moreover,  further  instructing  the 
Apostle,  influenced  him,  the  more  fully,  to  a 
bold  confession,  and  a  perpetual  love  of  His 
holy  Name. 

O  boundless  love  of  Christ,  full  of  celestial 
sweetness,  to  be  celebrated  with  all  praise,  and 
told  forth  for  ever  to  all  the  faithful,  lest  any 
fallen  one  should  despair  of  pardon ;  or  having 
been  made  whole,  should  rashly  presume  on 
grace  poured  do^Ti  on  him  abundantly  from 
heaven. 

O  vast  example  of  compassion,  this  day 
openly  shown  by  the  Lord  to  St.  Peter! 
Whereat  Angels  rejoice,  Archangels  are  glad, 
the  lost  take  hojjc.  and  the  slothful  arc  aroused ; 
yea,  all  faitlif ul  people  unite  with  one  heart  to 
praise  God  for  the  mercy  of  the  Lord,  and  es- 
pecially for  His  tenderness  towards  the  blessed 
Peter,  now  fully  confirmed  in  the  faith  of 
Christ. 

O  how  gracious  and  friendly  a  colloquy  Jesus 
then  had  M-itli  Peter,  when  he  received  the  kiss 
of  peace.  How  joyous  and  calm,  in  the  mean- 
while, was  the  heart  of  the  Apostle,  when  he 
gazed  on  and  heard  the  comforting  words  of 
the  risen  Christ,  his  most  loving  Master. 


272      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

And  now,  O  benign  Jesus,  remember  me  a 
poor  unworthy  sinner,  in  the  time  of  my  trouble 
and  desolation.  i\fter  my  sad  exile  in  this 
world  render  to  me,  when  about  to  depart  from 
the  body,  a  ready  help ;  and  grant  me  safe 
guardianship  to  the  Courts  of  Heaven. 

Open  to  me,  by  Thy  Passion  and  Death,  the 
gate  of  Paradise ;  promised  to  all  penitents, 
until  time  shall  be  no  more.  Guard  me  from 
the  snares  of  the  ancient  adversary",  and  rescue 
me,  Thy  pleading  servant,  from  the  punishment 
and  darkness  of  hell. 

For  to  Thee  have  been  given  all  the  kingdoms 
of  the  world,  and  the  keys  of  Heaven  are  Thine 
to  open  to  those  that  knock  at  the  gate  of  Life ; 
to  all,  who,  at  the  last,  heartily  repent  them  of 
their  sins,  and  turn  to  God  with  faith  unfeigned. 
Amen. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

A  PRAYER  TO  OBTAIN  FROM  GOD  THE  GRACE 
OP  TEARS. 

TURN  thou,  0  my  soul,  to  the  Lord  thy 
God,  with  all  thy  heart,  mth  weeping 
and  mourning;  pray  for  the  remission  of  all 
thy  sins,  and  for  pardon,  in  that  thou  hast, 
from  the  day  of  thy  birth  to  this  very  hour,  a 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      273 

season  granted  thee  by  God,  left  undone  so 
many  good  works,  and  neglected  so  many  op- 
portunities. 

For  lowly  prayer  and  contrition  of  heart, 
tears  and  sighs  for  thy  daily  shortcomings,  and 
for  all  who  are  afflicted,  tempted,  and  oppressed, 
are  well  pleasing  to  God. 

Holy  and  blessed  is  it  to  pray  to  God  for 
oneself,  and  for  one's  neighbor;  for,  in  this 
world,  none  are  without  sin — none  without 
danger. 

In  this  our  exile  we  have  grief  and  many  a 
sorrow ;  in  hell  is  a  fire,  that  is  never  quenched, 
and  punishment  that  ceaseth  not.  True  peace 
and  rest  eternal  are  found  in  heaven  alone. 

Therefore,  O  Lord  God,  for  all  my  past  mis- 
doings, in  every  ch'cumstance  and  failing  that 
has  befallen  me,  with  heart,  word,  and  deed,  to 
Thee  I  pray,  and  will  pray  continually. 

Receive  my  lamentations,  offered  with  a  pure 
purpose,  and  full  desire  of  immediate  amend- 
ment. Suffer  me,  in  this  my  pilgi-image,  by  an 
entire  resignation  of  myself,  and  giving  up  all 
that  is  of  this  world,  to  secure  now  Thy  favor 
and  the  pardon  of  all  my  sins,  through  the 
merits  and  mediation  of  Thy  Son,  our  Lord 
and  Saviour,  Jesus  Christ. 

O  that  I  may  follow  the  example  of  Thy 
Saints,  shunning   all  idle  talking  on  worldly 


274      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

matters — all  fellowship  with  ribaldry  and  lev- 
ity ! 

Jesus  prayed  ou  the  mountain,  watched  dui-- 
ing  the  night  season,  ofttimes  wept,  never 
vainly  laughed,  nor  uttered  a  light  word. 

When  accused  before  the  Governor,  He  was 
silent ;  when  He  spake,  it  was  with  gentleness ; 
and  in  answering,  even  the  wicked,  He  was 
ever  kind. 

Mary  the  Mother  of  Jesus  also  prayed  often, 
wept  most  liittei'ly  at  His  Passion,  sorrowed 
grievously,  endured  patiently.  Outwardl}-  she 
was  bashful,  inwardly  calm  and  quiet. 

Mary  Magdalene  wept  bitterty,  Ijewailiug  her 
sins ;  most  lovingly  she  wept,  in  thankfuhiess 
for  mercies :  very  abundantly,  in  compassion 
for  the  sirfferings  of  Jesus ;  most  fervently,  in 
contemplating  the  joys  of  Heaven. 

St.  Peter  also  wept,  with  deep  sorrow  at 
heart,  when  thrice  in  the  night  he  heard  the 
crowing  of  the  cock,  and  remembered  how  he 
had  denied  Christ  his  Master.  For,  through 
the  sudden  answer,  proceeding  from  his  frailty, 
arose  a  long  lamentation  of  his  crime,  and  a 
deep  compassion  for  the  misery  of  his  Brethren. 

St.  Paul  also  wept  bitterly  for  his  former 
error,  when  he  persecuted  the  holy  Chm"ch ; 
and  also  for  the  excesses  and  falls  of  others, 
who,  toiiching  ordinances  and  usages,  were  un- 


Medifafioiis  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      275 

faitlifnl.  His  desire  was  to  bring  all  to  the 
true  faith,  aud  contrition  for  their  sins — to  win 
them  to  the  fervor  of  a  holy  life  and  conversa- 
tion, and  a  steady  walk  in  the  footsteps  of 
Christ. 

St.  John,  the  Apostle,  also  wept  bitterly  at 
the  Passion  of  Christ.  He  was  ever  close  to 
tlie  Cross  with  Mary  the  Mother  of  Jesus,  con- 
doling and  upholding  her.  He  wept  also  for 
the  errors  of  many,  and  through  the  ardor  of 
his  charity  towards  the  lukewarm.  He  w^ept 
also  for  a  certain  youth,  who  was  given  up  to 
the  plt^asurcs  of  the  world.  Through  many 
tears  that  sinner  was  restored  .nid  cleansed. 

Our  holy  Father,  Augustine,  wept  very  bit- 
terly for  his  past  worldliness,  as  he  humbly 
confesses  in  his  writings.  An  example  to  all 
converted  to  God,  that,  to  increase  their  humil- 
ity, they  should  with  sorrow  meditate  on  the 
sins  they  have  confessed ;  and  so.  l)v  God's 
help,  never  repeat  them.  For  all  past  misdo- 
ings daily  should  they  mourn,  weep,  and  pray. 

The  same  holy  and  devout  Father  pom-ed 
forth  his  weeping,  when  hymns,  and  psalms, 
and  di\ane  songs  were  echoing  through  the 
house  of  God.  The  more  readily  he  turned  his 
mind  from  things  earthly,  the  more  ardently 
was  he  drawn  Tipwards  to  things  heavenly. 

For  his  manner  of  life  was  to  lament  over 


276      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

the  adversity  of  others,  and  to  rejoice  in  their 
salvation — to  soothe  the  afflicted  with  the 
honey  of  charity,  and  ever  to  help  the  needy. 

There  are  also  very  many  other  examples  of 
holy  men  and  devout  women,  who  have  received 
special  grace  from  God,  for  the  pom-ing  forth 
of  sacred  tears. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

ON   THE  ADVANTAGE  AND  GRACE  OF  HOLY 
TEARS. 

HOLY  and  devout  tears  repress  the  vio- 
lence of  the  flesh,  quench  the  fires  of 
discord,  cleanse  the  vicious  appetite,  take  away 
the  pride  of  the  eyes,  shun  vain  speaking,  seek 
privacy,  love  silence,  secure  the  fruits  of  prayer. 

They  drive  away  idleness,  that  enemy  of  the 
soul,  destroy  falsehood,  jesting,  and  laughter. 
They  calmly  consider  the  hom-  of  death,  the 
terror  of  judgment,  and  the  pains  of  hell. 

They  break  the  snares  of  the  devil,  overcome 
the  world's  tumult,  and  lead  the  mourner  to 
the  kingdom  of  Heaven.  They  blot  out  past 
transgressions  and  recover  lost  blessings. 

They  teach  us  to  shun  dangers,  to  be  much 
in  retirement,  to  read  holy  books,  to  write  well, 
and  to  pray  often.     They  preserve  the  penitent 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      277 

in  gi-ace,  and  gladden  the  devout  with  the  hope 
of  eternal  glory. 

O  that  I  could  more  frequently  experience 
this  grace  of  tears,  guard  it  more  carefully ; 
when  lost,  regain  it  by  penitence,  and  so  seek- 
ing speedily  find  it. 

He,  who  desires  to  have  and  hold  this  gift, 
should  look  closely  into  his  evil  ways,  heartily 
thank  God  for  His  blessings,  and  bend  before 
Him  in  profound  lowliness. 

This  is  a  task  hard  and  grievous,  yet  most 
useful  to  the  doer  thereof,  and  in  the  end  com- 
forting indeed  to  the  dying. 

Blessed,  therefore,  are  they  who,  sorrowing 
for  theii*  sins,  of ttimes  mom*n  ;  for,  in  due  time 
being  comforted,  they  shall  rejoice  with  the 
Angels  for  ever. 


CHAPTER  IX. 

ON  THE  TEARS  OF  JESUS  0\^R  LAZARUS. 

O  GRACIOUS  and  sacred  tears  of  my  Lord 
Jesu  Christ,  shed  in  compassion  so  lov- 
ingly and  abundanth'  at  the  death  and  raising 
of  Lazarus,  with  Mary  and  Martha,  and  their 
friends,  and  mourning  Jews ;  succor  my  with- 
ered heart,  soften  the  hardness  of  my  breast, 
and  especially  at  the  place  and  time  of  prayer 


278      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

and  meditation  ;  tliat  I  may  deeply  lament  me 
of  my  sins ;  and  in  thought,  word,  and  deed  be 
cleansed  from  aU  my  iniquities,  whether  se- 
cretly or  openly  committed,  for  hea\dly  do  they 
oppress  me. 

For  day  and  night,  morning  and  evening,  do 
I  gi-ieve  over  my  sins,  O  Lord,  as  often  as  I 
call  them  to  mind,  and  Thy  loving-kindness ; 
which  Thou  hast  so  pitifully  and  so  frequently 
bestowed  on  me  and  all  mankind.     Amen. 


ON  THE  TEAES  OF  JESUS  OVER  JERUSALEM. 

0  loving  and  holy  tears  of  my  Lord  Jesus 
Christ,  copiously  shed  from  streaming  eyes,  out 
of  tender  compassion  for  the  overthrow  and 
destruction  of  Jerusalem — that  faithless  city. 
Unavailing  possibly  to  infidels,  yet  to  me,  and 
to  all  believers,  and  to  the  devout,  very  accept- 
able are  they,  and  traly  lovely. 

I,  therefore,  a  man  slotliful  and  full  of  mis- 
ery, humbly  pray  Thee : — Let  those  teai-s  fall 
upon  me  abundantly,  and  cleanse  thorouglily 
the  face  of  my  soul,  defiled  by  the  many  e\dls 
of  ni}^  whole  life,  from  all  the  f ouhiess  of  sin  : 
that,  made  pure  within,  I  may  be  deemed 
worthy,  with  the  holy  Angels,  to  behold  in 
Heaven  the  glorious  face  of  the  Father. 

O  may  I,  when  the  sorrows  of  this  life  are 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      279 

over,  be  counted  meet  to  receive  abundant 
mercy  at  the  hands  of  the  just  Judge,  my  Lord 
Jesus  Christ ;  and,  through  His  sacred  Passion 
and  Death,  ma}'  also,  aft"r  the  general  Resurrec- 
tion of  the  dead,  be  admitted,  with  the  Elect, 
into  the  heavenly  Jerusalem.     Amen. 

O  blessed  Jesus  !  let  Thy  tears  wash  not  only 
ray  feet,  which  I  have  so  often  polluted  when 
carrying  into  action  my  evil  thoughts  and  im- 
pure affections,  but  both  my  feet  and  my  head 
— that  is,  my  e\'il  words  and  works ;  thus  shall 
I  have  remission  of  all  my  sins,  that  I  have  day 
by  day  committed. 

O  most  loving  Sa\'iour !  uphold  my  soul  in  the 
last  lioiu-  of  my  life,  and  come  in  the  multitude 
of  Thy  lovmg-kinduesses,  and  defend  me  from 
the  terrors  of  the  enemy,  and  the  pains  of  hell. 

And  do  Thou,  0  heavenly  Father,  remember 
the  most  precious  Blood  and  Death  of  Thine 
innocent  Son,  Jesu  Christ ;  who,  for  me  a  sin- 
ner, endui-ed  the  Cross  and  was  pierced  by  the 
cruel  spear.  Remember,  I  pray  Thee,  the  tears 
that  He  shed,  and  have  mercy  u])on  me  in  my 
last  moments,  when  I  breathe  out  my  soul  to 
Thee. 

As  often  as  I  think  of  the  tears  of  Christ, 
and  reflect  on  tlie  weei)ing  and  .sorrowing  of 
the  Saints  of  old.  well  may  I  be  inwardly  con- 
founded and  greatly  ashamed  before  God.     I 


280      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  CJirisf. 

proclaim  myself  worthy  of  many  stripes  and 
reproofs,  and  am  at  my  wits'  end.  For  I  am  a 
leprous  sinner,  and  lament  not ;  wounded,  and 
grieve  not ;  full  of  sores,  and  groan  not ;  pol- 
luted, and  wash  not ;  poisoned,  and  I  seek  no 
remedy  ;  weak  and  helpless,  and  I  look  not  to 
the  great  Physician  for  timely  aid. 

Woe  is  me  !  that  I  am  not  so  quickly  moved 
to  tears  by  the  words  and  doings  of  Jesus,  as  I 
am  stirred  to  laughter  by  the  tales  of  men. 

Daily  do  I  sin,  and  every  moment,  in  some 
way,  I  am  an  offender.  What  I  propose  doing, 
that  I  neglect,  yet  can  I  be  merry. 

Woe  is  me !  that  I  do  not  with  Mary  Mag- 
dalene cast  myself  down  at  the  feet  of  Jesus, 
and  with  a  broken  heart  weep,  that  I  may  "wdth 
her  find  pardon. 

O  blessed  Jesus !  remember  me  in  this  my 
hour  of  trial,  and  plead  for  me,  so  long  as  I 
dwell  in  this  frail  body  and  in  so  many  things 
offend. 

Woe  is  me !  that  I  weep  not  with  St.  Peter 
in  the  choir  or  in  some  secret  place,  when  I 
hear  the  cock  in  pubUc  crow  aloud.  The  very 
birds  of  the  field  should  move  me  to  rise  early 
from  my  bed,  and  seek  pardon  for  the  negli- 
gences and  offences,  that  night  and  day  I  have 
committed. 

Woe  is  me  !  that,  with  blessed  Paul,  I  do  not 


Meditafions  on  fhr  Life  of  Chrisf.      2S1 

ever  lament  and  weep  over  my  many  wick- 
ednesses, wilfully  or  ignorantly  done  by  me. 
Surely  I  ougjlit  ever  duly  to  grieve  over  them 
and  sig'h  and  pray ;  and,  when  troubles  and 
adversities  assail  me,  patiently  and  piously 
should  I  hear  them. 

Woe  is  nu^ !  that  I  have  not  the  purity  of 
St.  John  the  Apostle,  and  that  I  eare  not  to 
secure  it.  I  g:i'ieve  not  so  much  over  my  own 
uneleanness,  as  he  son-owed  and  wept  over  the 
sins  of  others. 

O  holy  and  blessed  Sa^^our !  with  an  humble 
voice  and  i)enitent  spirit  I  beseech  Thee,  stand 
by  me  in  this  troublesome  life,  and  throuii:h  the 
perils  of  death  :  that,  in  the  conflict,  the  cruel 
enemy  may  not  prevail  ag'ainst  me.  Having 
no  trust  in  myself  nuiy  I  be  strong  in  faith, 
with  a  full  confidence  in  the  Passion  of  Christ 
my  Redeemer. 

O  gracious  Jesu !  Would  that  I  were  able 
to  collect  into  a  fountain  all  Thy  tears,  warmed 
by  the  fii'e  of  Thy  Holy  S})irit,  and  to  bathe  my 
soul  therein  ;  to  wash  away  all  the  spots  of  my 
past  and  daily  sins,  earnestly  deploring  and 
bewailing  them ;  and  so  to  cleanse,  pm-ify,  and 
refresh  it :  that  therein,  as  in  the  Baptismal 
Font  and  in  the  waters  of  Jordan,  I  might  be 
born  again,  restored,  and  created  anew. 

Being  then  purely  washed  and  purged  from 


282      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

all  my  sins,  may  I  now,  while  here  on  earth, 
find  compassion  and  mercy ;  and  at  my  death 
may  I  wdth  Thy  Saints  obtain  eternal  gflory, 
through  Thee,  O  Jesu  ('hrist,  who  with  the 
Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  livest  and  reignest, 
ever  one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  X. 

ON  THE  APPEARANCE  OF  CHRIST,  UNDER  THE 
FORM  OF  A  STRANGER,  TO  TWO  DISCIPLES  GO- 
ING  TO   E3IMAUS. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  the  Way,  the 
Ti-uth,  and  the  Life,  om*  Salvation  and 
Redemption,  I  bless  and  thank  Thee,  that  Thou 
didst  gi-aciously  appear  as  a  stranger  to  two  of 
Thy  disciples,  as  they  were  walking  on  their  way. 
Garbed  wast  Thou  as  a  traveller  unknown  to 
them.  This  Thou  didst,  that  Thou  mightest 
bring  back  erring  sheep  to  the  heavenly  Jerusa- 
lem, and,  by  Thy  losing  \dsit,  instruct  them  fuUy. 
O  friendly  act  indeed,  that  Thou  didst  draw 
near  and  go  with  them  on  their  journey,  for 
sadly  did  Thy  Passion  depress  them.  They 
talked  together  not  of  wars  and  the  vanities  of 
this  world,  but  of  Thy  good  deeds,  Thy  holy 
words,  and  Thv  miracles. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      283 

But,  as  they  -were  still  doubtful  of  Thy  Resur- 
rection that  had  already  taken  place,  and  in  no 
way  satisfied  with  the  stoiy  of  others  and  the 
vision  of  the  Angels,  they  remained  sorrow- 
stricken,  until  the  truth  should  be  more  clearly 
made  known  to  them. 

And  who  could  better  teach  them,  better 
clear  aw^ay  their  doubts,  than  Thou,  O  Jesu, 
good  Master,  the  Way,  the  Truth,  and  the  Life  ; 
by  openly  showing  Thyself  to  them,  and  giving 
them  a  well-known  token  in  the  Breaking  of 
Bread  ? 

And  so  it  came  to  pass.  For  presently,  on 
di'awing  near  and  going  with  them,  Thou  didst 
inquu-e  of  them  the  cause  of  so  much  sadness 
— what  it  was  that  gi'ieved  them ;  as  if  Thou 
w^ert  a  stranger,  and  knew  nothing  thereof, 
saying : — ''  What  communications  are  these 
which  ye  have  one  with  another,  as  ye  walk  and 
are  sad  ? " 

I  praise  Thee,  therefore,  and  highly  glorify 
Thy  sweet  Name,  for  Thy  friendly  converse 
with  these  two  disciples ;  who,  on  their  way, 
were  very  sad  at  heart,  and  perplexed  by  all 
that  had  happened  in  Thy  Passion  and  sentence 
to  Death. 

Thou  didst,  by  proofs  and  examples  relating 
to  Thyself,  taken  from  Holy  Scripture  as  set 
forth  in  the  Psalms,  the  Law.  and  the  Prophets, 


284      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

greatly  comfort  aud  most  seasonably  instruct 
them. 

I  laud  and  heartily  thank  Thee,  0  most 
worthy  Jesu,  for  the  various  passages  then 
brought  forward,  expounded,  and  clearly  ex- 
plained by  Thee ;  which  before  were  obsciu'e, 
concealed  beneath  sundry  figures,  and  by  few 
indeed  understood. 

I  bless  Thee,  O  Holy  of  Holies,  the  most 
Holy  Jesu  Christ,  Teacher  of  teachers,  and 
Master  of  all  laws  and  decrees,  who  aforetime 
didst  open  the  mouths  of  the  Prophets,  that 
now  Thou  Thyself  deignedst  to  make  known, 
to  the  little  ones  and  the  unlearned,  the  liidden 
things  of  the  Scriptures — iu\dting  them  to  be- 
lieve Thee  in  Thy  every  word  and  deed. 

O  how  were  their  faces  filled  with  joy  whilst 
Thou  wast  speaking !  As  Thou  didst  draw 
aside  the  veil  from  the  Divine  records,  with 
what  love  were  their  cold  hearts  inflamed,  for 
among  lawgivers  and  interpreters  of  mysteries 
there  is  none  like  unto  Thee. 

O  how  didst  Thou  lighten  their  journey,  how 
joyful  the  moments,  how  pleasant  the  day,  even 
unto  its  close,  when  Thou  didst  enter  their 
house,  and  they  set  meat  before  Thee  ! 

O  how  earnestly  did  they  invite  Thee  to  sup 
with  them,  for  fain  would  they  have  learnt 
more    and    more    from   Thee,   all    the   night 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      285 

through  !  And  why  ?  Bcc.ause  never  on  earth 
did  man  speak  so  excellently  as  spake  this 
Strang;!'!-. 

"No  Prophet,  King,  Priest,  or  Levite ;  no 
one  of  the  sons  and  disciples  of  the  Prophets, 
who  wrought  wonders  and  taught  the  precious 
things  of  heaven,  no  Saint,  yea,  not  all  the 
Angelic  Host  can,  in  teaching,  be  compared  to 
Thee,  O  Stranger. 

''And,  therefore,  we  pray  Thee,  O  Lord,  abide 
with  us.  It  is  late ;  extend  not  Thy  joui-ney, 
for  it  is  toward  evening  and  the  day  is  far 
spent.  Speak  yet  more  unto  us,  for  we  are  not 
wear)''  or  di'owsy ;  gladly  do  we  listen  to  Thee, 
we  verily  long  to  do  according  to  Thy  will. 

"  For  Thy  words  are  sweeter  to  us  than  honey 
and  the  honey-comb ;  more  precious  are  they 
than  gold  and  silver ;  all  things  that  the  world 
so  longs  for  are,  in  comparison  of  them,  of  little 
worth." 

O  that  I  had  then  been  present,  and  gone 
secretly  with  Jesus  by  His  side ;  or  had  been 
behind  Him,  carefully  attending  to  all  the 
words  of  my  Lord  and  Sa\aour  Christ,  and  had 
dihgently  hidden  in  my  heart  all  that  I  had 
heard ;  so  that  I  might  after  often  have  medi- 
tated thereon  !  Then  should  I  have  had  help 
to  go  on  heavenward,  avoiding  all  vain  converse 
^vith  men  hkely  to  harm  me. 


286      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

But  what  I  am  not  permitted  to  enjoy  in  the 
body  with  Thee,  0  Lord,  grant  that  I  may 
spiritually  pursue  the  saine  either  in  retirement, 
at  my  meals,  in  my  time  for  recreation,  or  in 
my  hours  of  labor ;  that,  whether  alone  or  with 
my  companions,  I  may  have  Thee  ever  before 
mine  eyes  as  truly  present  and  discerning  all 
thingSj  walking  with  me  in  the  way,  and  breath- 
ing into  me  a  life  of  holiness.  Who  hvest  and 
reignest  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy  Ghost 
now  and  for  ever.    Amen. 


CHAPTER  XL 

ON   THE   RECOGNITION   OF   CHRIST  EST  THE 
BREAKING    OF    BREAD. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Thou  Bread  of 
Life,  sweet  Guest  of  my  soul,  and 
Heavenly  Giver  of  grace,  I  bless  and  thank 
Thee  for  Thy  marvellous  condescension,  and 
for  sharing  the  friendly  feast,  with  Thy  two 
disciples  in  their  dwelling. 

Very  affectionately  they  invited  Thee  to  enter 
theii'  home  ;  with  prayers  they  besought  Thee ; 
they,  verily,  with  their  hands  drew  and  con- 
strained TheCj  unwilUng  without  Thee  to  enter, 
sit  down,  and  eat. 


Medifafioiis  on  ilic  Life  of  Christ.      287 

Therefore,  O  meek  aiul  j^raeious  Lord,  yield- 
ing to  their  pressing  entreaties.  Thou  didst 
enter  with  them  to  sup  and  hold  sweet  converse 
concerning  the  food  of  souls,  prepared  by 
Angels  in  the  heavenly  mansion. 

And,  when  seated  at  table  with  them,  not  yet 
fuDy  known  by  them.  Thou  didst,  in  Thy  usual 
manner,  take  into  Thy  holy  hands  bread  from 
the  table ;  and  raising  Thy  right  hand,  Thou 
didst  bless  the  bread  with  Thy  sacred  mouth, 
as  Thou  wast  wont  to  do  in  the  presence  of  Thy 
disciples,  when  they  sat  at  meat  with  Thee. 

And  then,  first  breaking  off  a  part  and  eat- 
ing, Thou  didst,  with  outstretched  arm,  joy- 
fully give  a  portion  to  them,  as  to  beloved 
friends. 

And  straightway  their  eyes  were  opened.  Thy 
di\'ine  power  being  kno\\^l  of  them  in  Breaking 
of  Bread,  lovingly  dispensed  to  them  with  new 
gladness  as  a  mark  of  Thy  friendship. 

O  how  jo^'ful  the  supper,  when  bread,  blessed 
by  the  hand  of  the  Lord,  had  been  tasted  and 
eaten !  How  blessed  indeed,  the  eyes  which 
perceived  the  Lord  in  the  Breaking  of  Bread, 
blessed  by  the  mouth  of  God  ! 

But  alas  !  how  brief  the  stay,  when  the  season 
was  so  delightful,  and  the  supper  so  sweet. 
"And  He  vanished  out  of  their  sight." 

"  O  the  change  of  the  right  hand  of  the  most 


288      Meditations  on  the  lAfe  of  Christ. 

High  God,"  here  a  little,  there  a  little !  For 
under  heaven  there  is  nothing  durable ;  only 
with  the  Saints  in  heaven  is  there  true  and 
eternal  joy. 

''  Whither  goest  Thou  then,  O  Lord  ?  Why 
dost  Thou  retu'e  so  quickly,  and  leave  these 
Thy  disciples  desolate  V  "  Do  not  marvel,  fret 
not.  I  know  what  I  have  done ;  I  know  well 
what  I  am  about  to  do.  I  have  yet  other  sheep 
to  visit,  to  comfort,  and  strengthen  in  the  faith. 
They  are  waiting  for  Me  and  greatly  do  they 
long  to  see  Me. 

"I  go  therefore  to  them  according  to  My 
promise ;  that  they  may  see  Me  and  rejoice ; 
and  in  no  wise  doubt  concerning  My  words. 

"  I  will  show  them  My  wounds ;  that,  having 
seen  those  well-known  marks,  they  may  firmly 
believe  Me,  and  not  vainly  cleave  to  human 
reasonings,  nor  gainsay  My  power.  For  all 
things  are  possible  to  Me,  the  very  elements 
obey  My  behest." 

O  sweet  Jesus !  I  laud  and  give  Thee  glory 
for  all  Thy  deeds,  and  gi-acious  words,  and  ap- 
pearances, to  Thy  disciples,  scattered  in  divers 
places.  Thou  wast  unwilling  to  leave  them 
comfortless,  for  ofttimes  they  sorrowed  and 
wept  for  Thee. 

For  they  ever  loved  Thee  tenderly ;  their  de- 
light was  in  seeing  Thy  face,  in  talking  with 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      281) 

Thee,  i!i  walking:  with  Thee,  iu  sailing  with 
Thee,  in  lodging  with  Thee,  in  eating  and 
drinking  with  Thee,  in  watching  and  praying 
with  Thee,  in  lying  down  with  Thee,  in  rising 
u\)  with  Thee,  and  in  readily  obeying  the  words 
of  Thy  mouth. 

And  when  Thou  didst  pass  tlirough  the  corn 
fields  on  the  Sabbath  day,  they,  fasting  and 
with  feet  all  bare,  cheerfully  followed  Thee. 
And,  being  pressed  by  hunger,  they  plucked  a 
few  ears  of  corn,  as  was  lawfully  allowed  them. 

Fain  would  I  now  meditate  on,  and  carefully 
examine  these  things ;  wliich  are  to  my  shame 
and  grief,  l)ut  to  the  praise  and  honor  of  Thee, 
O  good  Jesus,  and  of  Thy  disciples. 

Whom  Tliou  didst  exliort,  as  stated  by  St. 
Mark,  to  take  a  little  rest,  when  they  were 
weary  through  the  toil  and  wear  of  their  long 
journey. 

For,  as  a  hen  gathereth  her  chickens  under 
her  Anngs  to  shelter  them  from  the  cold  and 
rain,  and  heat;  and  to  protect  them  from 
pounce  of  kite  or  bite  of  dog;  so  didst  Thou 
gather  together  Thy  little  ones,  the  humble  in 
heart,  who,  while  despised  by  the  world,  are 
beloved  of  Thee,  saying  to  them :  "  Come  ye 
apart  to  a  desert  place,  where  the  vanities  of 
life  shall  not  be  seen  by  you,  nor  any  distract- 
ing cry  heard  by  you.     There  rest  awhile  in 


290      Medifafions  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

holy  meditation,  banishing  from  you  all  earthly 
follies." 

And  now,  O  most  loving  Jesus,  Thou  Visitor 
of  the  sick  and  Comforter  of  poor  strangers 
driven  from  the  joys  of  Paradise,  visit  me  also 
in  the  day  of  my  trouble  and  disquietude; 
whether  I  am  sitting  idly  in  my  chamber,  or 
singing  in  the  choir  with  an  arid  heart,  or, 
when  at  meals,  raslily  indulging  in  savory  food ; 
and  by  the  sacred  words  of  Thy  mouth,  ad- 
di'essed  to  me  as  it  were  from  heaven  (sweeter 
far  than  any  bodily  pleasure),  restore  me,  I 
pray  Thee,  speedily  to  sphitual  delights. 

Open  to  me  a  clear  understanding  in  the 
dark  places  of  Holy  Scripture,  and,  in  the  plain 
and  devout  teaching  thereof,  inflame  my  heart 
with  the  fire  of  love,  as  Thou  didst  with  those 
two  disciples,  who  were  holil}-  moved  by  Thy 
appearance  and  Thy  discourse.  Refreshed  on 
the  way  by  the  Word  of  God  and  wdth  meat, 
they  thankfully  said:  "Did  not  our  hearts 
burn  wdthin  us  while  He  talked  with  us  by  the 
way,  and  opened  to  us  the  Scriptures  f " 

These  words  are  most  sweet  and  holy.  With 
devout  hearts  and  joyful  voices  they  are  said 
and  sung  in  the  choir,  chiefly  at  Eastertide  and 
Festivals  of  certain  of  the  Saints,  by  Clerks  and 
Priests,  and  by  a  great  company  of  the  Faith- 
ful in  all  lands,  to  the  praise  and  glory  of  God. 


Meditationii  on  fhr  Ijifc  of  Christ.      291 

O  nio.st  holy  .lesu  !  I  pray  Thee,  durinci:  my 
pilgTimage  here  below,  pardon  luy  negligences, 
for  still  am  1  ofttimes  vexed  by  my  passions, 
from  mthin  and  from  without.  Let  me  not  be 
overcome  by  my  ghostly  enemies,  nor  deprived 
of  the  everlasting  joys  promised  to  Thy  ser- 
vants in  heaven.  Those  jo^'s  ought  greatly  to 
encourage  me  to  fight  manfully  against  the 
sinful  inclinations  and  yearnings  of  my  heart. 
With  devout  ])rayers  and  pious  meditations  on 
the  Life  and  Passion  of  Christ,  daily  ought  I  to 
call  to  mind  some  particular  one,  at  least,  of  Thy 
so  many  wounds  and  sorrows,  O  Lord  Jesu,  Wlio 
wast  crucified  for  me.  Thy  wounds  are  the  medi- 
cine of  my  soul.  Thy  sacred  words  are  a  golden 
shield  against  the  fiery  darts  of  the  enem}'. 

May  Thy  divine  i)rotection,  with  the  grace 
of  Thy  Holy  Spirit,  be  with  me  at  all  times,  and 
in  all  places  I     Amen. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

ox  THE  APPEARANCE  OF  CHRIST  TO  THE  DIS- 
CffLES  IX  JERUSALE.^I,  WHEX  IT  WAS  LATE, 
AND   THE    DOORS    WERE    SHUT. 

OLORD   JESU   CHRIST,   true   Peace  of 
the  godly,  Ho])e  of  the  just,  Joy  of  de- 
■v|put  souls  gathered  together  in  one  body,  Com- 


292      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

forter  of  the  penitent,  and  Visitor  of  those  who 
are  apart  from  the  world,  I  bless  and  give  Thee 
thanks,  for  Thy  glorious  and  marvellous  ap- 
pearance to  Thine  Apostles,  assembled,  when 
it  was  now  late,  in  an  upper  room. 

No  one  opened,  no  one  knocked ;  the  doors 
and  windows  were  all  secm-ely  shut,  for  protec- 
tion of  the  house,  and  for  fear  of  the  Jews. 

This  was  done,  that  Thy  appearance  and  en- 
trance might  be  seen,  as  truly  and  certainly  the 
work  alone  of  Divine  power;  not  of  human 
might  and  craftiness,  nor  by  the  artful  wiles  of 
the  devil. 

For  Thou  art  the  true  God.  Thou  deceives! 
not,  but  hatest  and  punishest  deceivers.  Thou 
art  Omnipotent ;  therefore,  whatever  Thou 
■VNollest,  at  once  it  cometh  to  pass. 

But  the  simple  and  devout,  such  as  were  the 
Apostles  and  other  disciples,  assembled  at  that 
hoiu'  in  the  inner  chamber,  them  Thou  didst 
visit,  enhghten,  comfort,  and  lovingly  salute, 
saying :  "  Peace  be  unto  you — It  is  I,  be  not 
afraid." 

I  praise  and  honor  Thee,  for  so  sweetly  and 
gently  greeting  them  after  their  so  gi'eat  tribu- 
lation ;  and  I  rejoice  in  Thee  for  so  cheering  a 
vision,  after  their  grievous  trouble  and  terror. 

For  greatly  needed  they  to  have  Thee  again 
present  with  them,  to  comfort,  strengthen,  an4 


Me(lif(tfio)is  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      293 

uphold  thoin.  Tlioy  had  fallen  into  difficidties 
and  trials  so  great,  that  never  before,  we  may 
behcve,  had  they  experienced  the  like. 

They  had  fled  as  a  floek  of  sheej),  when  the 
shepherd  had  been  seized  and  slain.  Scattered 
hither  and  thither,  the}'  mourned  and  were 
afraid  ;  and  at  length,  when  evening  was  come, 
they  vnih.  difficulty  gathered  together  in  one 
place,  and  found  rest  for  a  season. 

O  most  gracious  Jesus  !  I  praise  and  exalt 
Thy  sweet  Name  above  all  in  heaven  and  earth, 
because  this  day  Thou  didst  vouchsafe  to  come 
to  Thy  Apostles,  who  in  their  terror  had  fled, 
disappointed  and  sorrowful;  distrustful,  and 
doubting  Thy  words,  which  Thou  hadst  afore- 
time so  often  spoken  unto  them. 

But  now  Thou  hast  made  them  inexpressibly 
happy,  by  addressing  them  as  their  Friend,  and 
that  with  Thine  own  mouth. 

Forthwith  Thou  didst  openly  show  to  them 
the  manifest  marks  of  Thy  Passion,  in  Thy 
hands.  Thy  feet,  and  Thy  sacred  side.  Thou 
didst  remove  all  their  fear  and  distrust,  when 
Thou  didst  eat  before  them  honeycomb  and  a 
piece  of  broiled  fish;  and  with  Thy  glorious 
hand  didst  give  them  of  the  same,  that  they 
might  eat  Avitli  Thee  and  rejoice. 

During  refreshment  of  the  body,  Thou  didst 
place  before  them  portions  of  Holy  Scripture. 


294      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Thou  didst  remove  doubts,  make  clear  that 
which  was  dark,  enhghten  their  understanding, 
and  kindle  their  affections.  Wliatever  was 
necessary  and  good  for  them,  that  Thou  didst 
teach  and  reveal  unto  them. 

Moreover,  when  Thou  hadst  pronounced 
peace  to  them  with  the  heavenly  benediction, 
having  seen  their  Lord,  they  rejoiced  with  ex- 
ceeding great  joy.  As  formerly  with  the  Wise 
Men,  when  they  saw  the  Star  in  the  heaven,  all 
fear  and  doubt  at  once  passed  from  them. 

And  now,  to  strengthen  them  against  all  un- 
believing foes,  and  to  blot  out  their  transgres- 
sions, Thou  didst  breathe  into  them  the  grace 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  saying : — 

"Receive  ye  the  Holy  Ghost"  (the  greatest 
of  gifts  to  those,  who,  for  My  Name's  sake, 
have  left  all  things  of  this  world) ;  "  Whose- 
soever sins  ye  remit,  they  are  remitted  unto 
them ;  and  whose-soever  sins  ye  retain,  they 
are  retained." 

O  how  truly  great  the  grace,  given  to  the 
Apostles  by  the  inspiration  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
from  the  breathing  of  Chi-ist,  after  He,  through 
the  Glory  of  the  Father,  had  risen  from  the 
dead !  So  that,  not  only  they  themselves  were 
safe  and  absolved  from  all  their  sins,  but  were 
also  invested  with  full  power  to  absolve  others, 
to  reject  the  unworthy,  and  to  bind  the  guilty. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      295 

O  how  iilorious  the  day,  how  peaceful  that 
evening  horn-,  when  Clirist  came  to  the  Apostles 
with  sTK'h  j!:reat  glory  and  gladness,  filling  with 
heavenly  blessings  those,  who  remain  apart 
from  the  world  under  the  discipline  of  God ! 

O  Thomas !  thou  holy  and  beloved  Apostle  ! 
would  that  thou  hadst  now  been  here,  and 
hadst  remained  with  thy  fellow  Apostles,  when 
Jesus  eanie  and  said,  "Peace  be  unto  you." 
But  perhaps  some  necessity  compelled  thy  ab- 
sence. 

Would  that  thou  hadst  retm-ned  in  good 
time,  and,  with  the  others,  hadst  heard  and 
seen  all  the  words  and  doings  of  Jesus.  How 
well  would  it  have  been  for  thee  to  have  been 
present,  and  believed. 

But  who  has  known  Thy  mind,  O  Lord,  or 
who  has  been  Thy  counsellor,  tliat  Thou  should- 
est  then  come  suddenly,  when  Thomas  was 
away,  and  that,  possibly,  but  for  a  little  mo- 
ment ? 

Why,  good  Jesus,  didst  Thou  thus?  Why 
not  w^ait  awhile  till  Thomas  returned  ?  Where- 
fore, O  loving  Jesus !  didst  Thou  not  say 
"  Wliere  is  Thomas  'I "  he  who  so  fervently  called 
on  his  fellow  disciples,  '•  Let  us  also  go,  that  we 
may  die  with  Him." 

0  holy  God !  why  didst  not  Thou  send  for 
him,  that  he  might  come  quickly  and  see  Thee  ? 


'29G      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Had  I  beeu  jiresent,  how  gladly  would  I,  mth 
Thy  approval,  have  gone  out  and  brought  him 
to  Thee. 

Did  not  Samuel,  the  Prophet,  send  and  call 
David,  who  was  feeding  the  sheep ;  that  he 
might  come,  and,  in  the  presence  of  his  breth- 
ren, be  anointed  King. 

But  now,  O  Lord,  who,  by  Thy  wisdom,  hast 
made  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  I  know  full 
well  and  believe,  that,  with  a  true  and  right 
judgment.  Thou  didst  allow  all  these  things  to 
happen.  For  nothing  occurs  on  earth  without 
a  cause,  though  many  are  they  who  understand 
not  Thy  doings. 

Therefore,  it  was  not  by  mere  accident  that 
Thomas  was  absent,  when  Thou  earnest  and 
didst  appear  to  Thy  disciples. 

No,  but  by  Thy  sure  foreknowledge  Thou 
didst  purposely  and  graciously  act  thus,  that 
gi'eat  good  might  come  therefrom. 

One  doubted,  that  many  might  be  established 
in  the  faith.  One  en-ed,  was  instructed,  and 
set  right,  that  a  vast  multitude  might,  by  his 
conversion  and  preaching,  attain  to  a  more 
perfect  knowledge  of  the  truth. 

For  he  who  doubts  profits  by  inquiry,  pro- 
vided he  heeds  the  words  of  God's  Saints,  and 
persists  not  in  his  gainsaying. 

There  are  many  things  beyond  the  intellect 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Clirisf.      l'!)7 

of  man,  which  cannot  be  easily  attained  by 
him,  because  of  the  vast  height  of  the  Divine 
Counsel. 

No  one,  therefore,  when  tried  in  the  faith, 
should  despair ;  let  him  rather  firmly  rest  on 
the  words  of  Holy  Scripture.  For  God,  to  en- 
courage a  lu)i)e  of  Salvation,  has  left  us  many 
examples  of  Saints  and  great  Doctors,  who  also 
doubted  on  various  points.  They  retiu'ned  to 
the  truth,  and  profited  many  not  a  little. 

The  Lord  Jesus  is  gi-acious ;  He  despiseth  no 
one ;  He  thrusteth  none  aside ;  but  he,  who 
cometh  to  Him  in  singleness  of  heart,  is  taught 
by  Him  the  true  faith — never  is  he  deceived. 

But  what  is  too  high  should  be  committed  to 
Him,  who  clearly  discerns  all  hidden  things; 
and  all,  that  is  unknown  to  men.  He  rightly 
and  wisely  sets  in  order. 

Therefore,  let  not  the  ignorant  be  troubled 
about  matters  between  Jesus  and  His  disciples ; 
nor  let  him  be  indignant  Anth  the  holy  Apostle, 
who  was  so  slow  to  believe ;  because,  what  hap- 
pened to  him,  by  God's  permission,  might  hap- 
pen to  any  other. 

And  now,  O  most  gentle  Jesu  Christ,  Thou 
Visitor  of  the  secluded,  and  Upholder  of  the 
timid.  Instructor  of  young  and  those  of  full 
age,  visit  me  also  in  my  retirement  from  the 
world ;  when  I  am  alone  studying  and  writing, 


298      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

or  with  others  in  Thy  Courts  singing  and  pray- 
ing. 

Open  to  me  the  gate  of  eternal  Life ;  lighten 
the  darkness  of  my  mind ;  diive  from  me  the 
evil  spirits  that  tempt  me ;  cast  from  me  the 
many  idle  thoughts  that  assail  me. 

When  the  eyes  of  my  body  are  closed,  come 
unto  me  secretly,  and,  by  Thy  presence,  pour 
into  my  heart  peace  and  gladness ;  and,  to  as- 
sure me  of  sins  forgiven,  show  me  in  spirit  Thy 
all-sacred  wounds,  endured  for  me  upon  the 
Cross,  to  redeem  me  from  eternal  death.  Out 
of  pure  love  didst  Thou  die  for  me,  and  rise 
again.  Who  with  the  Father  and  the  Holy 
Ghost  liveth  and  reigneth,  one  God,  world  with- 
out end.   Amen. 


CHAPTER  Xni. 

ON  THE  APPEARANCE  OF  CHRIST  ON  THE  OC- 
TAVE OF  THE  FEAST  OF  EASTER,  WHEN  ST. 
THOMAS   WAS   PRESENT. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Author  of  life, 
Bestower  of  pardon.  Thou  that  infusest 
grace,  and  promisest  future  glory  in  eternal 
bliss  with  Thy  holy  Angels,  I  bless  and  give 
Thee  thauks  for  Thy  gracious  appearance  a 
second  time,  to  all  Thy  Apostles ;  Thomas,  Thy 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      299 

Apostle,  as  yet  doubting',  being  now  present. 
Adorned  with  the  sacred  marks  of  Thy  five 
wounds,  in  memory  of  Thy  most  holy  Passion 
for  oiu'  Salvation,  Thou  didst,  by  the  sight  and 
touch  of  Thy  glorious  Body,  strengthen  him  in 
a  true  and  right  faith. 

I  praise  and  honor  Thee  for  Thy  joj-ful  salu- 
tation, and  for  Thine  openly  showing  Thyself 
with  the  heavenly  benediction,  blessing  Thine 
Apostles  Avith  Thy  holy  mouth,  and,  with  glad- 
dening countenance,  saying  unto  them,  "  Peace 
be  unto  you,  here  and  for  ever." 

''  Now  indeed  by  faith  and  gi'ace,  but  here- 
after by  sight  and  by  open  vision.  As  the 
Father  hath  loved  Me,  so  love  I  you.  Continue 
ye  in  My  love,  hold  fast  to  Me,  and  I  will  abide 
with  you  now  and  for  ever." 

I  honor  and  glorify  Thee,  O  Jesu  Christ, 
reverend  Lord  and  Master,  for  Thy  friendly 
announcement  of  peace,  for  Thy  venerable 
standing  in  the  midst  of  Thy  disciples,  and  for 
Thy  preserving  them  from  fear  of  the  Jews. 

For,  as  a  good  shepherd  stands  in  the  midst 
of  his  sheep,  to  defend  them  from  devom-ing 
wolves,  so  didst  Thou  stand  with  Thine  Apos- 
tles, in  the  day  of  trouble,  strengthening  them 
against  evil,  for  the  kingdom  of  Heaven's  sake. 

And,  as  a  mighty  king  and  noble  leader 
stands  armed  in  the  midst  of  his  people,  hold- 


300      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

ing  a  spear  and  shield  to  defend  him  against 
the  darts  of  the  enemy,  and  encourages  his  sol- 
diers to  fight  bravely — to  conquer  or  die  a 
noble  death ; 

So  O  Jesu !  bravest  Warrior  against  evil 
spirits  and  men  perverse,  so  didst  Thou  present 
Thyself  in  the  midst  of  Thy  disciples,  clothed 
with  a  robe  of  gladness,  and  the  armor  of  im- 
mortality ;  holding,  as  a  proof  of  Thy  being  the 
very  Crucified  Jesus,  the  marks  of  Thy  Passion, 
open  piercings  in  the  shield  of  Thy  Body; 
marks  with  which  Thou  didst  vanquish  the 
princes  of  this  w^orld,  and  the  rulers  of  utter 
darkness.  Thus  didst  Thou  strengthen  the  Apos- 
tles, Thy  soldiers,  in  faith,  hope,  and  charity. 

For,  before  they  were  utterly  cast  down. 
They  had  mtnessed  Thy  Passion,  Thy  Cross, 
Thy  Death — yea,  and  Thy  Body  bmied  in  the 
fii'mly-closed  tomb  of  stone. 

What  man,  having  seen  upon  Thee  so  many 
bands  and  signs  of  death,  would  have  believed 
that  Thou  coiildest  rise  again?  And,  there- 
fore, lest  Thy  beloved  disciples,  who  were  not 
yet  fully  confirmed  in  the  faith,  should  despair, 
Thou  didst  appear  openly  to  them,  with  the 
marks  of  Thy  sacred  and  glorious  Body  mi- 
raculously remaining  on  Thee ;  in  proof  of  Thy 
true  Resurrection,  that  they  might  believe,  and 
not  doubt  of  Thy  appearing. 


Meditations  nn  the  Lifr  of  Christ.      301 

Thus  didst  Thou  say  unto  them,  "  Handle  Me 
and  see,  that  I  am  the  same  Jesus  Christ,  who 
hung  on  the  Cross  for  you,  and,  by  i)Ower  di- 
vine, rose  again  the  third  day,  as  I  openly  fore- 
told to  you ;  but  ye  did  not  then  cleai'ly  under- 
stand. 

"  Therefore,  behold  now  My  hands,  and  My 
feet,  and  My  side ;  and  especially  consider  the 
five  wounds  of  My  Passion,  to  meditate  on 
them  day  and  night,  and  learn  how  gTeat  was 
My  love  for  you,  and  how  much  I  have  endured 
for  your  eternal  Salvation. 

"Peace  be  unto  you,  My  friends,  despisers 
of  the  world,  for  whom,  when  the  many  dan- 
gers of  this  present  life  have  passed  away,  I 
have  prepared  the  eternal  joys  of  heaven  vrith. 
the  holy  Angels.  Fear  not,  doubt  not ;  I  am 
your  reward,  yom*  crown,  and  j-our  blessing. 
Amen," 


A    PRAYER    TO    OBTAIN    THE    PEACE    OF    MIND, 
WHICH   CHRIST   GA\T:  TO   HIS   DISCIPLES. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  from  whom 
floweth  all  that  is  sweet.  King  of  heaven 
and  earth,  the  true  peace  of  hearts,  and  Com- 
forter of  those  who  mourn,  say,  I  pray  Thee, 
unto  my  soul,  troubled  and  desolate  as  Thou 
fully  knowest  it  to  be.  "I  am  thy  salvation,  thy 


302      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

peace,  thy  life,  thy  comfort,  thy  hope,  thy  light, 
and  thy  rest. 

"  In  Me  is  all  thy  good,  the  trne  solace  of 
the  soul,  every  pleasant  and  unending  joy. 
What  more  dost  thou  desire  ? " 

Nothing  Lord,  Thee  only  do  I  desire ;  Thee 
I  seek.  Thee  I  long  for,  Thee  I  dearly  love. 
Thee,  in  all  things  and  over  all  things,  always 
and  everywhere,  I  bless  and  praise. 

Thou  ridest  over  all  things  in  heaven  and 
earth,  in  the  sea,  and  in  all  great  depths;  in 
the  mountains  and  in  the  woods;  and  every 
creatui-e,  small  and  great,  is  known  to  Thee, 
and  clear  before  Thee.  , 

In  wisdom  hast  Thou  made  them  all,  and  by 
Thy  Pro\ddence  are  they  aU  governed. 

O  peace  of  God,  O  clear  knowledge  of  my 
Creator,  which  passeth  all  reason,  and  the  un- 
derstanding of  men  and  angels !  when  wilt 
Thou  come  unto  me,  when  wilt  Thou  fill  me 
within  and  without,  that  I  may  have  nothing 
more  to  desire  ? 

O  Lord  God,  my  heart  is  disquieted,  until  it 
rest  in  Thee.  My  mind  has  no  peace,  until  it 
be  perfectly  one  with  Thee  in  the  Life  eternal. 
O  peace,  how  sweet  and  desirable  is  th}^  name 
in  all  the  earth  ! 

How  joyful  and  how  pleasant  is  thy  voice  in 
the  heavenly  country.     O  true,  most  excellent. 


Meditations  on  the  Liff  of  Christ.      303 

everlasting  peace  with  God,  with  the  holy 
Angels,  and  with  men  of  holy  will. 

Grant  nie  peace  in  my  heart,  0  Lord,  that  I 
may  fully  love  Thee.  Grant  me  peace  in  my 
mouth,  that  I  may  devoutly  praise  Thee. 
Grant  me  peace  in  my  hand,  that  I  may  ever 
do  all  good  works  to  Thy  honor. 

Saj'  unto  me,  when  I  am  in  heaviness : — 
"Peace  be  unto  thee,  it  is  I,  be  not  afraid." 
"  Peace  be  unto  thee,"  nothing  more  pleasant 
to  hear.  "  It  is  I,"  nothing  more  pleasant  to 
possess.  "  Be  not  afraid,"  nothing  safer  to  re- 
joice in.  "  Lo,  I  am  with  you,"  nothing  sweeter 
to  enjoy. 

"  Always,  day  by  day,  even  unto  the  end  of 
the  world,"  nothing  is  surer,  nothing  firmer  to 
be  believed,  if  we  would  obtain  Life  eternal. 

0  Lord,  whatever  I  have,  whatever  I  see  and 
desire,  all  is  nothing  without  Thee. 

Li  Thee  alone  are  all  my  1)lessings ;  nothing 
better,  nothing  more  perfect,  nothing  richer, 
nothing  nu)re  happy. 

Therefore,  all  my  hope,  all  that  I  possess,  all 
my  salvation,  all  my  i)eace,  is  in  Thee.  O  God, 
mj'  Savioiu' ;  and  in  no  created  good,  however 
beautiful,  noble  and  great. 

1  say,  therefore,  and  with  the  holy  and  hum- 
ble Francis  I  pray,  '•  My  God  and  my  all.  I 
desire  nothing:  more." 


304      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

If  at  any  time  I  shall  be  in  trouble,  and  be- 
reft of  inward  satisfaction  and  comfort,  again 
I  say  and  pray  "  My  God  and  my  all ;  I  want 
nothing:  more."  I  desire  nothing  but  Thee,  my 
God,  all  in  all,  and  over  aU,  and  before  all, 
blessed  for  ever. 

O  Lord,  gi'ant  that  I  may  meditate  intently 
on  these  things,  and  ever  devoutly  accomplish 
them.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

ON  THE  TOUCHING  OF  THE  SACRED  WOUNDS  OF 
CHRIST  BY  THE  HAND  OF  ST.  THOMAS  THE 
APOSTLE, 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Enlightener  of 
the  Faithful  'mid  the  darkness  of  this 
world,  I  bless  and  thank  Thee  for  Thy  gi-eat 
compassion  shown  to  Thine  Apostle  St.  Thomas, 
for  Thy  special  appearance  to  him,  and  for 
strengthening  him  in  the  faith  of  Thy  Resur- 
rection ;  that  miracle,  which  surpasses  all  hu- 
man reason ;  and  is,  save  by. faith  and  divine 
revelation  to  man,  incomprehensible. 

Many  marvellous  works  hast  Thou  done,  O 
Lord  God,  from  the  beginning  of  the  world ; 
and  vet  doest  daily  in  heaven  and  in  earth, 


Meditations  oii  the  JJfe  of  Christ.      305 

that  Thou  mayest  declare  the  glory  of  Thy 
Name. 

Tlierofoiv,  altlioiiQ;h  these  things  cannot  be 
fully  comprehended  and  searched  out  by  men, 
yet  to  Thee  are  they  very  easy.  They  are  chiefly 
done  and  ordered  for  the  salvation  of  the  Elect. 

And,  since  this  Thy  beloved  disciple  did  not 
wilfully  hold  to  his  opinion,  nor  had  he,  with 
any  evil  intent,  declared  that  he  would  not  be- 
lieve unless  he  saw  and  touched  Thee,  there- 
fore did  he  obtain  mercy  and  favor;  so  that 
he  saw  Tliee  openly  with  his  ej'es,  and  verily 
touched  Thee  revereutl}'  vdth  his  hand,  that  he 
might  cease  from  all  doubting,  and  strengthen 
the  faint-hearted  in  the  faith. 

Therefore,  seeing  Thy  humanitj',  and  in  his 
heart  believing  the  Divinity  to  be  hidden  in 
Thee,  he  with  his  mouth  exclaimed,  saying, 
A\dth  great  devotion  and  full  of  faith,  ''My 
Lord  and  my  God." 

This  I  firmly  Iwlieve,  this  I  truly  profess,  this 
I  openly  declare,  this  I  boldly  preach,  this  I  tell 
forth  to  all  nations,  and  long  to  proclaim  it  to 
the  ends  of  the  earth — that  all  may  believe  in 
Thee  and  be  saved. 

"  My  Lord  and  my  God,"  "  my  Creator  and 
my  Redeemer."  This  is  the  true  and  sure 
faith,  which  leadeth  believers  to  the  kingdom 
of  Heaven. 


306      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

0  how  plentiful  is  Thy  goodness,  O  Lord,  to 
Thy  Saints  and  elect  friends,  which  in  this  life, 
'mid  its  troubles  and  temptations,  Thou  dost 
often  show  them  ;  and  giving  them  a  fore-taste 
thereof — ^yea,  by  word  and  by  example.  Thou 
dost  exhort  them  to  go  on  and  persevere. 

Sometimes  Thou  hidest  Thyself,  that  they 
may  mourn  and  seek  Thee,  and  long  to  behold 
Thee.  Thus  is  it  they  learn,  by  then*  falling 
and  gi'owing  slothful,  how  weak  they  are ;  thus 
have  they  no  high  thought  of  themselves,  nor 
attempt  they  lofty  flights,  far  above  their 
power. 

In  due  season  Thou  showest  Thyself  again, 
comforting,  enlightening,  and  instructing  the 
sorrowful;  that,  in  the  time  of  trouble,  they 
may  not  despair,  nor  presume  in  the  day  of 
prosperity ;  but  consider  themselves  to  be  mor- 
tal men  and  sinners,  ever  needing  the  grace  and 
mercy  of  God — not  Angels  established  in  glory. 

1  praise  and  highly  extol  Thy  compassion 
and  tenderness,  that,  offering  peace  and  grant- 
ing forgiveness,  Thou  didst  show  Thyself  gra- 
cious towards  Thy  holy  Apostle  Thomas,  as  he 
humbly  and  reverently  knelt  before  Thee,  earn- 
estly pleading  for  pardon.  Thou  didst  exhibit 
to  him  Thy  holy  and  glorious  wound-prints ;  of 
more  worth  than  all  the  treasures  of  the  world ; 
more  precious  than  all  jewels,  more  beautiful 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      307 

than  all  brilliaut  roses,  more  fragrant  than  all 
spices  and  sweet-smelling  flowers. 

These  shine  brighter  far  than  all  the  glories 
of  the  heavens;  they  more  fully  rejoice  the 
souls  of  the  Saints ;  they  more  ardently  inflame 
the  hearts  of  the  Faitliful;  they  more  fre- 
quently soften  the  hardness  of  sinners  j  and 
draw  from  them  very  bitter  teai's  of  penitence. 

They  stir  up  the  slotliful  to  increased  prayer ; 
they  lead  the  devout  to  salute  Thee  oftener; 
they  urge  the  grateful  to  thank  Thee  more 
earnestly. 

Constantly  meditating  on  the  wounds  of 
Christ,  and  tenderly  picturing  them,  Thy  most 
zealous  servants  have  been  pierced  to  the  very 
dei)ths  of  the  soul,  and  wept  bittei-ly ;  clearly 
manifesting  that  they  had  been  with  Jesus. 

And  even  yet,  those  five  wounds,  that  tell  of 
the  love  of  Jesus,  often  stir  the  hearts  of  the 
faithfid,  and  move  the  penitent  to  tears ;  when 
they  behold  Christ  on  the  Cross,  or  hear 
preached  the  story  of  the  Passion,  or  read  and 
dwell  thereon,  to  the  praise  of  God.     Amen. 

ON   THE   GREAT    GRACE   OF    DEVOTION,   AND  THE 
FffiM   FAITH   OF   THE   APOSTLE    ST.    THOMAS. 

O  how  great  the  grace  of  devotion,  which 
the  holy  Apostle  Thomas  obtained  from  the 


308      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

sight  of  Thy  sacred  wounds,  my  God  !  even  be- 
yond many  Saints,  who  saw  Thee  living  in  the 
flesh,  and  believed  on  Thee  after  Thy  Resurrec- 
tion. 

I  therefore  highly  bless  Thee  and  thank  Thee, 
my  Lord  and  my  God,  who,  thi'ough  the  Apos- 
tles, hast  taught  me  to  believe  aright,  and  to 
live  justly;  to  confess  the  true  faith  without 
any  doubting  or  dissimulation  whatever. 

For  Thou  hast  truly  said :  "  Whosoever  shall 
confess  Me  before  men,  him  will  I  confess  be- 
fore My  Father." 

Grant,  therefore,  O  Lord,  that  I  may  con- 
stantly speak  the  truth,  and  confess  the  right 
Faith,  as  did  St.  Thomas  before  Thee,  in  the 
presence  of  the  Apostles,  saying:  "My  Lord 
and  my  God." 

Wliat  is  more  clear,  what  more  true,  what 
mere  perfect,  what  more  worthy  of  belief,  than 
this  confession?  Of  which  the  blessed  John 
thus  writes :  "  Thomas  answered  and  said  unto 
Him"  (namely  to  Thee  my  Lord  God),  "my 
Lord  and  my  God." 

For  many  of  the  Faithful  have  spoken  to 
Thee,  and  called  Thee  by  diverse  holy  Names, 
according  to  their  faith  and  devotion ;  and,  in- 
deed, rightly  and  weU  in  accordance  with  Tliine 
unspeakable  dignity;  which,  nevertheless,  far 
exceeds  the  height  and  praise  of  every  creature, 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      309 

and  eveiy  title  of  dignity  in  heaven  and  in 
earth. 

Some,  when  praying  to  Thee,  have  said: 
"Jesns  of  Nazareth  have  mercy  upon  me"; 
some,  "Thou  Son  of  Da\'id";  some,  "Good 
Master  and  Lord  "  ;  some,  "  Rabbi  or  Rabboni " ; 
some,  "  Thou  Teacher  and  Saviom*  of  the 
world  " ;  some,  "  Thou  great  Prophet  and  King 
of  Israel "' ;  some,  "  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God," 
as  John  the  Baptist ;  some,  ''  Thou  art  the  Son 
of  God,"  as  Nathanael ;  some,  "  We  have  found 
the  Messiah,"  as  Andrew ;  some,  "  Thou  art 
Chi'ist,  the  Son  of  the  Living  God,"  as  St.  Peter 
and  other  Apostles ;  all  speaking  by  the  revela- 
tion of  the  heavenly  Father. 

And,  in  order  that  all  the  terms  for  desig- 
nating Thy  Godliead,  and  the  words  of  sacred 
praise,  may  be  perfectly,  briefly,  and  faithfully 
included  in  one,  and  be  firmly  believed,  St. 
Thomas,  enlightened  and  fully  instructed  bj' 
the  Holy  Spu'it,  and  established  in  the  faith  by 
Thy  presence,  O  Lord,  said,  openly  and  boldly 
to  Thee,  our  Lord,  with  a  loud  voice:  "My 
Lord  and  my  God." 

In  which  words  he  briefly  comprehends  all 
that  can  be  truly  said  and  believed,  touching 
Thy  divine  and  human  nature,  to  Thy  praise, 
and  the  salvation  of  all  Christians  that  believe 
in  Thee,  throughout  the  whole  world. 


310      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Grant  me,  O  Lord  my  God,  firmly  to  hold 
this  holy  Catholic  faith ;  that  I  may  adorn  and 
guard  it  by  a  holy  life,  and  never  in  any  way 
depart  from  the  truth.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

AN  ADDRESS   ON  THE   FIVE   SACRED  WOUNDS   OP 
JESUS  CHRIST. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  most  loving  Son 
of  God,  Thou  who  wast  crucified  for  the 
salvation  of  the  world,  I  bless  and  thank  Thee 
for  all  Thy  sorrows,  and  all  Thy  sacred  wounds, 
the  greater  and  lesser,  which  Thou  didst  lov- 
ingly and  innocently  endure  to  purge  and  ab- 
solve me  from  my  sins ;  and  which,  dying  in 
true  love  and  perfect  obedience,  Thou  didst  offer 
freely  and  willingly  to  Thy  heavenly  Father. 

More  especially  I  praise  and  glorify  Thee 
now,  and  will  every  day  of  my  life,  with  the 
highest  thanksgiving  and  blessing  of  my  mouth, 
from  the  deepest  affections  of  my  heart,  and 
with  the  sweetest  remembrance  of  Thy  mercies, 
for  Thy  very  great  and  friendly  condescension, 
and  the  openly  manifesting  Thy  five  sacred 
wounds ; 

Which,  after  Thy  blessed  and  glorious  Resur 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Chnst.      311 

rection,  Thou  didst  retain  in  Thy  most  holy 
and  g-lorious  Body ;  and  didst  present  to  Thy 
disciples  to  see  with  their  eyes ;  and  didst  kindly 
and  convincingly  grant  to  St.  Thomas,  the 
Apostle,  wlien  doubting',  to  toueli  them  with  his 
hands,  and  so  didst  Tlion  establish  him  in  the 
faith. 

And,  as  a  sign  of  Thy  perpetual  love  to  them, 
and  all  Thy  faithful  people — those  devoted  to 
Thee  throughout  the  world,  Thou  didst  desire 
these  things  to  be  announeed  and  published, 
that  they  may  earnestly  love  Thee,  and  never 
cease  rejoicing  in  Thy  praise. 

Therefore,  meet  and  j)rofitable  for  me  is  it 
daily  to  call  to  mind  Thy  great  love  towards 
me ;  that,  as  these  Thy  five  sacred  wounds  re- 
mained in  Thy  glorious  body  (like  new  and 
ever-abiding  openings  in  a  shield)  exceeding 
bright  above  all  the  stars  of  heaven ;  so,  also, 
may  they  remain  ever  fixed  in  my  menuny,  and 
in  the  memory  of  all  Thy  faithful  servants,  on 
account  of  the  innumerable  benefits  arising 
therefrom,  and  their  poAver  for  warding  off  and 
blotting  out  the  evils  of  this  life  ;  and  especially 
for  the  eternal  joys  to  be  happily  secured  by 
them  with  Thee,  0  gracious  Jesu. 

Praise,  honor,  power,  glory,  and  \-ictoi'y  be 
to  Thee,  O  Lord,  for  Thy  sacred  wounds,  by 
which  Thou   hast   redeemed   me,  pm-ged    the 


312      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

world,  spoiled  hell,  opened  Paradise,  illumi- 
nated Heaven,  and  caused  the  Angels  to  rejoice. 

And,  that  Thou  mightest  draw  some  wretched 
one  to  Thee,  and  reconcile  him  to  the  Father, 
and  turn  away  God's  anger.  Thou,  even  when 
ascending  into  heaven,  hast  retained  these 
sacred  wounds ;  and  in  order  alwa^'s  to  show 
Thy  compassion  on  me,  ^nd  all  who  believe  on 
Thee,  and  gi-ieve  for  then-  sins.  Thou  hast  borne 
them  with  Thee  to  the  right  hand  of  the  Father ; 
and,  as  a  token  of  Thy  victory  over  death. 
Thou  dost  present  them  to  aD  the  inhabitants 
of  Heaven. 

O  Jesu  Christ,  King  of  (rlory,  Thou  astonish- 
ment and  joy,  Thou  inestimable  hope  of  be- 
lievers. Thou  brightness  of  the  Father,  the 
honor  of  Thy  Mother,  the  lustre  of  the  Virgin, 
the  flower  of  the  field,  the  lily  of  the  valley,  the 
solace  of  the  afflicted,  the  health  of  the  sick, 
the  joy  of  the  devout,  the  blessedness  of  the 
Saints,  the  felicity  of  Angels  ! 

Write,  I  beseech -Thee,  0  Lord,  these  Thy 
sacred  and  precious  wounds  in  my  heart,  with 
Thy  precious  Blood,  that  I  may  inwardly  suffer 
with  Thee,  and  love  Thee  above  all  things ;  and 
bear  most  willingly  a  few  reproaches  out  of 
love  for  Thy  sweet  and  holy  Name,  which  is  to 
be  highly  blessed  above  every  name  of  men 
and  holy  Angels,  for  ever  and  ever. 


Medifafiotis  on  iho  Life  of  Christ.      313 

In  orirason  forms  and  in  (iii'cles  of  gokl, 
paint  these  Thy  wounds  before  my  Avandering 
eyes,  that  I  may  not  behold  nor  think  of  the 
vanities  of  the  world,  nor  give  ear  to  rumors 
fitted  to  disquiet  me,  nor  attend  to  those  who 
speak  to  me  of  aught  that  relates  not  to  Thee, 

0  Jesu,  my  Lord  and  my  God. 

For  vain  are  all  things,  which  keep  me  from 
meditating  on  heavenly  blessings,  and  from 
weeping  over  Thy  sacred  wounds. 

Fasten,  therefore.  Thy  sacred  nails  to  my  feet 
as  shai-p  spurs,  that  I  may  tread  in  Thy  foot- 
steps on  the  rough  road  of  bitterness  and  afflic- 
tion. Then  shall  I  not  be  elated  in  prosperity, 
nor  cast  down  when  troubles  assail  me. 

Wound  me  in  each  foot,  that  I  wander  not 
further  from  Thee.  In  the  left  fix  the  nail  of 
fear,  that,  dreading  the  future  torments  of  hell, 

1  may  not  give  way  to  the  lusts  of  the  flesh. 
In  the  right  foot  fix  the  nail  of  holy  love, 

that  I  may  run  the  way  of  Thy  Commandments 
with  fervid  devotion,  night  and  day  serving 
Thee ;  ever  joj-fully  giving  Thee  all  possible 
thanks  in  hymns  and  heavenly  praises. 

Short  and  light  is  all  earthly  labor,  and  hard 
doing,  thirst  and  pain  of  body,  for  Thee,  my 
God,  Who,  in  the  flesh,  suffered  and  was 
wounded ;  but  long,  yea,  very  long,  is  eternal 
punishment — the  unceasing  pains  of  heU. 


314      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Strike  also  Thy  two  nails  into  mj-  hands, 
that,  while  there  is  time,  I  may  diligently  bring 
forth  good  works,  and  avoid  that  vile  indolence, 
which  is  so  hurtful  to  the  soul ;  nay  more,  that 
I  may  throw  mine  arms  around  Thee,  lovingly 
hanging  on  the  Cross  for  me,  full  of  wounds, 
yet  pleading  for  Thine  enemies. 

Draw  me  therefore  to  Thee,  from  the  flesh  to 
the  Cross,  from  earth  to  heaven.  For  I  long 
for  my  departure,  that  I  may  die  with  Thee  on 
the  Cross,  and  bj-  Thy  wounds  be  cleansed 
from  all  my  sins,  and  so  escape  death  eternal. 

Thou  art  my  God,  and  to  Thee  wall  I  confess 
my  sins.  Heal  me  by  Thy  sacred  wounds, 
which,  in  my  behalf,  were  so  cruelly  inflicted 
on  Thee.  For  who  will  cleanse  me  from  my 
sins  and  negligences,  but  Thou  alone,  O  God, 
my  Redeemer,  Who,  for  me,  wast  crucified  and 
wounded  with  many  stripes  ? 

Among  those  stripes  Thy  five  precious 
wounds,  made  by  the  nails  and  spear,  are 
specially  eminent,  of  sweet  odor,  and  brilliant 
like  the  crimson  seals  of  the  Lamb  of  God. 
They  are  colored  with  blood,  and  marked  in 
with  the  spur  of  divine  love  ;  and,  as  the  sure 
and  sacred  tokens  of  my  eternal  Redemption, 
never  to  be  blotted  out,  full  are  they  of  all 
grace  and  sweetness ;  open  to  me  and  to  all 
mankind  to  kiss,  and  to  behold  with  the  eves 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      315 

of  the  mind ;  and  granted  to  those  who  mourn, 
that  they  may  enter  into  the  secret  things  of 
Heaven. 

Enter,  0  my  soul,  enter  boldly  into  the  ten- 
der mercies  of  Thy  God,  who  is  hanging  on  the 
Cross. 

Enter  into  the  deep  hollows  of  His  wounds, 
safe  from  the  face  of  the  serpent,  who  is  every- 
where secretly  and  openly  lying  in  wait  for 
thee. 

Here  remain  in  silence  and  in  safety,  as  a 
turtle  mourning  in  solitude,  and  as  a  dove  hid- 
den in  a  cleft  of  the  hard  rock ;  despising  all 
the  pleasures  of  the  world,  meditating  on  the 
sacred  wounds  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  through 
them  looking  for  the  eternal  rewards  of  Heaven, 
by  Himself  to  be  given  unto  thee. 

1  beseech  Thee,  now,  O  most  gi-acious  Jesu 
Christ,  speak  also  to  my  soul  Thy  saving  word, 
which,  as  a  mark  of  Thy  great  love.  Thou 
spakest  to  Thy  holy  Apostle  Thomas,  strength- 
ening him  in  faith,  and  forgiving  hiui  all  his 
sins: 

"Reach  hither  thy  finger  and  behold  My 
hands,"  with  hard  nails  lovingly  fixed  to  the 
Cross  for  thee.  Reach  hither  thy  hand  and 
touch  Me  thoughtfully.  Thrust  it  into  My 
side,  that  was  in  tender  pity  opened  for  thee ; 
that  side,  so  cinielly  pierced  by  the  soldier's 


316      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ 

spear,  that  blood  and  water  flowed  therefrom 
freely,  for  the  perfect  remission  of  all  sins,  and 
in  compassion  for  all  believers.  "And  be  not 
faitliless,  but  believing."  Not  doubting,  but 
firm  and  steadfast ;  not  over-curious,  but  honest 
and  devout ;  not  idle,  nor  f orgetfid,  but  zealous, 
and  ever  thankful  to  God  for  benefits  so  great. 
Grant,  O  kind  and  beloved  Jesus,  that  I  may 
often  think  and  meditate  on  these  things ;  that 
I  may  believe  on  Thee,  and  cleave  to  Thee. 
May  I  never  doubt  Thy  words  and  the  truth 
eternal.  In  eveiy  temptation  and  sorrow,  may 
I  ever  tnrn  at  once  for  comfort  to  Thy  Passion, 
and  seek  for  consolation  in  Thy  sacred  wounds 
and  suffering.  Yea,  ma}''  I  ever  find  peace  and 
rest  for  my  soul  in  Thee,  Who,  with  the  Father 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  liveth  and  reigneth,  ever 
one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

ON  THE  ARMOR  OF  CHRIST;  THE  CROSS,  NAILS, 
SPEAR,  AND  CROWN  OF  THORNS. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  King  of  all 
kings,  I  bless  and  give  Thee  thanks  for 
Thy  triumphal  and  royal  arms ;  namely,  the 
cross,  nails,  spear,  crown  of  thorns,  rod,  cord, 


Meditatimia  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      317 

pillar  (to  which  Thou  wast  l)()un(l  naked,  when 
cruelly  scourged) ;  and  for  all  the  other  instru- 
ments of  torture,  used  during-  Thy  sacred  Pas- 
sion for  us  vile  sinners ; 

To  vanquish  the  devil  and  the  lovers  of  the 
world,  with  all  their  pomps  and  evil  doings; 
to  give  mercy  and  remission  of  sins  to  all  that 
believe  in  Thee,  and  are  truly  penitent ; 

To  obtain  the  hope  of  eternal  Salvation,  and 
the  glory  of  celestial  bliss  with  Thy  hoi}'  Angels 
in  heaven,  after  the  coming  general  KesuiTcd- 
tion  of.  the  dead,  both  of  the  just  and  the  un- 
just, according  to  tlieir  deeds,  wlicthei-  good  or 
evil.  For  then  will  appear  many  signs  in 
heaven  and  in  earth,  and  the  sacred  wounds  of 
Thy  Passion  with  the  standard  of  tlie  Cross, 
and  various  achievements  of  Thine  arms,  to  the 
joy  and  assurance  of  Thine  Elect,  but  to  the 
terror  and  miseiy  of  the  lost. 

Then  will  all  the  Elect  leap  for  joy — the 
humbh\  the  innocent,  the  devout  and  chaste, 
the  simple  and  the  obedient,  the  meek,  and  they 
who  have  often  endured  contradictions  for  Thy 
Name's  sake.  Yes,  many  a  time  and  oft,  they 
think  sorrowfully  of  Thy  Passion  and  Thy 
sacred  wounds,  as  if  wrought  upon  themselves, 
and  devoutly  thank  Thee  for  all  Thou  didst 
endure. 

Then  also  will  they  gi'eatly  fear  and  lament 


318      Meditatio'ns  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

for  themselves — the  proud,  the  covetous,  the 
envious,  the  greedy,  and  walkers  after  the  flesh ; 
they  who  seldom  or  never  think  compassion- 
a.tely  on  Thy  Cross  and  wounds,  but  rather  set 
their  thoughts  on  their  own  gains  and  advan- 
tages, than  on  Thy  goodness  and  Thy  bitter 
sufferings. 

From  these  perverse  and  ungratefid  men 
preserve  me,  O  Lord ;  and  ever  unite  me  with 
the  pui'e  and  innocent  sheep  of  Thy  flock,  for 
whom  Thou  didst  deign,  out  of  Thy  tender 
love,  to  be  crucified  and  die,  tortured  by  many 
wounds. 

O  gentle  Jesus !  endue  me  now  with  the 
power  of  Thy  might,  and  gird  me  about  thor- 
oughly, everywhere  and  at  all  times,  with  the 
sacred  armor  of  Thy  most  bitter  Passion.  This 
do,  for  many  are  the  snares  and  temptations  of 
the  evil  spirit,  assailing  me  on  the  right  hand 
and  on  the  left,  by  a  thousand  wicked  schemes, 
and  vain  deceptions. 

Therefore,  O  Lord,  to  Thy  Passion  do  I 
humbly  fly  for  succor;  and  I  heartily  pray 
Thee  to  comfort  me,  and  with  Thy  power  to 
uphold  me. 

O  gracious  Jesus,  Helper  and  Defender  in 
every  temptation  and  trial  of  this  frail  life, 
raise  aloft  before  me  the  royal  Standard  of  Thy 
holy  Cross,  the  sign  of  eternal  Salvation,  the 


^fe<1ifafio1ls  on  the   Life  of  CkriRi.      319 

sceptre  of  the  divinity,  the  bow  and  shield  of 
the  humanity,  a  very  strong  tower,  a  terrible 
tlnmdei-.  and  the  sharpest  dart  against  the 
augi-y  assaults  of  the  devil ; 

A  defence  is  it  against  the  turmoil  of  tlu> 
world,  and  the  incitement  of  the  flesh  ;  against 
every  vice  and  perverse  thought,  against  the 
spirit  of  blasphemy  and  the  abyss  of  despair ; 
which  are  ever  ready  to  overwhelm  me,  and  to 
turn  me  aside,  O  Jesu,  from  the  invocation  of 
Thy  most  sweet  Name,  to  blacken  the  life  and 
character  of  Thy  Saints;  and,  what  is  worse, 
to  call  me,  an  earnest  believer,  back  from  the 
right  faith,  and  from  the  veneration  and  love 
of  Thy  holy  Cross. 

O  Jesu  I  most  valiant  King,  because  of  the 
many  perils  and  dangers  around  me,  be  Thy 
holy  Cross  my  Salvation,  my  peace,  and  my 
life,  my  shield,  sword,  and  spear,  a  strong 
tower  from  the  face  of  mine  enemy;  a  solid 
defence  from  the  fraud  of  the  old  serpent, 
my  light  at  home,  my  leader  when  abroad,  my 
safeguard  within  and  without,  above  and  be- 
low. 

May  the  Cross  be  sweet  and  pleasant  to  me ; 
a  rest  in  labor,  a  comfort  in  affliction,  a  medi- 
cine in  illness,  an  ointment  in  pain. 

May  it  be  a  defence  in  solitude,  a  security  in 
crowded  gatherings,  a  lamp  in  darkness,  a  joy 


820      Medifafions  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

at  noon  ;  in  the  evening  praise,  honor,  power, 
and  glory. 

May  it  be  to  nie  a  fair  and  beautiful  Cross, 
sweetness  in  my  hours  of  bitterness,  health  in 
sickness,  a  firm  faith  in  the  agony  of  death,  my 
only  hope  in  the  departui-e  of  the  soul,  a  sup- 
port at  the  day  of  judgment,  a  protection  from 
hell,  an  acquittal  from  all  punishment,  a  trans- 
porting by  the  holy  Angels  into  the  glory  of 
Heaven. 

Moreover,  O  patient  Jesu,  in  sorrows  apply 
to  me  the  sacred  nails,  cruelly  fixed  in  Thee 
when  Thou  wast  hanging  on  the  Cross ;  that 
they  may  be  the  guard  of  my  heart,  my  mouth, 
and  of  all  my  senses,  and  keep  me  from  daily 
and  nightly  terrors  of  evil  spirits ;  that,  when 
they  see  the  signs  of  Thy  nails,  they  may  flee 
from  me,  as  from  sharp  arrows,  leaving  me  to 
rest  in  Thy  peace,  or,  to  pray  and  seriously  to 
meditate  on  the  pangs  caused  by  those  nails, 
when  in  the  Body  of  my  Lord  Jesu  Christ. 

Nor  can  they  dare,  with  their  wicked  delu- 
sions, to  disturb  me,  while  I  am  meditating  on 
Thy  sacred  wounds;  which,  so  great  and  so 
deep,  Thou  didst  endure  in  Thy  hands  and  in 
Thy  feet. 

Apply  also,  I  pray  Thee,  to  my  side,  as  a 
guard  of  my  heart,  at  aU  times,  whether  I  be 
awake  or  asleep.  Thy  holy  and  sharp  spear,  so 


Meditations  on  flir  Life  of  Christ.      321 

deeply  thrust  iut()  Tliee,  wlicn  Thou  wast  dead ; 
that  I  also  may,  with  Thee,  be  pierced  on  the 
Cross ;  suffering:  with  Thee  inwardly,  while 
outwardly  osehewing-  all  that  is  worldly ;  ban- 
ishing from  me  all  that  is  vain ;  bearing  in 
memory  only  heavenly  things,  and  Thy  sacred 
wounds. 

So  wound  my  heart,  O  my  Grod,  that  nothing 
impm-e  may  any  longer  be  found  in  me. 

0  most  excellent  and  ever  to  be  loved  Jesu 
Christ !  sure  hope  of  the  faithful,  the  strength 
of  them  that  fight,  and  the  crown  of  them  that 
conquer,  the  wisdom  of  the  contemplative,  the 
enlightener  of  the  ignorant,  show  also  unto  me, 
now  an  exile  under  the  burden  of  the  flesh,  Thy 
holy  and  blessed  Crowni  of  thorns ;  which,  with 
derision  and  hard  blows,  was  cruelly  fixed  and 
pressed  down  upon  Thy  sacred  head,  while  on 
all  sides,  from  Thy  many  wounds,  dropped 
down  Thy  most  precious  Blood. 

1  pray  Thee,  that  the  abundant  ebbings  from 
this  sacred  and  most  bitter  Crown  may  fully 
cleanse  me  from  all  my  sins,  draw  forth  from 
me  floods  of  tears,  and  suddenly  soften  my  dry 
and  hardened  heart. 

May  I  have  a  continual  remembrance,  and  a 
vivid  conception  of  this  Thy  holy  and  blessed 
Crown  ;  and  may  the  great  injury  inflicted  by 
the  wounds,  and  prayerful  meditation  thereon, 


322      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

drive  away  from  me  and  piit  to  flight  all  evil 
things  and  impui-e  thoughts ;  may  they  abolish 
and  destroy  troubles  of  every  kind. 

Enter,  therefore,  enter  fresh  sorrow,  deep 
into  my  heart,  for  this  blood-stained  Crown  of 
thorns.  May  that  son*ow  work  upon  every 
member  of  my  body,  and  fill  me  with  bitter- 
ness ;  blotting  out  all  the  imperfections  of  my 
soul,  which,  in  my  folly,  I  have  been  so  long 
gathering  together. 

May  it  reduce  to  nothing  in  me  eveiy  lofty 
desire ;  all  I  deem  beautiful,  to  dust ;  every- 
thing precious,  to  mire  ;  everj^hing  flourishing, 
to  decay ;  everything  delectable,  to  the  bitterest 
wormwood ;  everything  joyful,  to  lamentation  ; 
all  that  is  amusing  and  witty,  to  derision  and 
contempt. 

O !  in  the  gi*eat  hereafter,  how  bright  and 
lovely  in  heavenly  glory  will  be  the  crown  of  a 
devout  and  chaste  soul ;  which,  in  this  world, 
so  often  and  so  sorrowfully  thinks  of  the  thorn- 
crown  of  Jesus ;  and  bears  in  sad  remembrance 
all  His  cruel  wounds. 

Such  a  soul,  at  the  hour  of  death,  when  leav- 
ing this  miserable  life,  wiU,  I  believe,  at  the 
last,  enjoy  a  great  hope  of  pardon,  and  a  full 
assurance  of  mercy,  in  the  remembrance  of  Thy 
sacred  Passion,  O  Lord. 

Therefore,    for    the    sake   of    Thine  every 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      323 

wound,  forgive  me  also  all  iniiie  offenees,  pres- 
ent and  past ;  as  Thou  didst,  solely  out  of  Thy 
mercy  and  nrrace,  to  St.  Mary  Magdalene  ;  who 
greatly  Ije wailed  her  sins,  and  mourned  ]>itterly 
over  the  sacred  wounds  of  Thy  Passion,  iniiicted 
on  Thee  for  our  very  many  and  grievous  trans- 
gressions ; 

For  Thy  mercy  and  goodness,  O  most  merci- 
ful Jesu,  have  overcome  aU  our  evils,  new  and 
old,  through  the  bowels  of  Thy  compassion,  and 
the  innumerable  stripes  of  Thy  wounds,  most 
patiently  endured  from  wicked  men ;  wounds 
seen  with  their  eyes  by  Thy  holy  Mother,  and 
by  the  beloved  Mary  Magdalene,  and  moistened 
with  streaming  tears. 

Therefore,  still  further  vex  me,  O  Lord,  from 
within  by  Thy  scourging,  and  tight  binding 
with  cords  to  the  hard  piUar ;  and  that,  in  the 
presence  of  many  scoffing  and  reviling.  No 
pity,  no  shame  was  there  for  Thee ;  but,  like 
furious  dogs,  they  longed  to  tear  with  their 
teeth  an  innocent  slieep.  They  added  blow  to 
blow,  sorrow  upon  soitow,  but  never  once  didst 
Thou  resist,  no  cry  was  heard,  ''Alas !  Alas ! 
why  do  ye  so  cruelly  scourge  Me  f " 

O  !  how  great  and  unspeakable  Thy  patience, 
O  Lord  Jesu,  during  such  bitter  affliction.  Thy 
wounds  red  with  issuing  blood ;  all  to  make 
atonement  for  my  sinS; 


324      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

I  have  sinned,  O  Lord,  and  Thou  bearest  the 
scom-ge  for  me.  I  have  done  ^Wekedly;  in 
many  ways  have  I  ofttimes  offended,  yet  Thou, 
utterly  blameless,  art  unjustly  condemned  by 
the  ungodly. 

I  often  in  my  folly  laugh,  but  Thou  art  basely 
derided.  I  am  well  clothed,  my  desire  is  to 
please  men,  but  Thou  art  hanging  naked  be- 
tween thieves. 

I  eat  and  drink  that  which  is  fitting;  but 
Thou  hast,  on  the  altar  of  the  Cross,  the  bitter 
draught  of  vinegar  and  gall. 

I  sleep  on  a  soft  couch,  but  Thou  art  bm-ied 
in  a  hard  tomb,  as  some  outcast  in  the  world. 

I  often  pass  by  the  Cross,  no  tears  bedew 
mine  eyes ;  but  Mary  Magdalene  and  other 
holy  women  ceased  not  weeping,  until,  behold- 
ing Thee  risen  from  the  dead,  they  in  adoration 
embraced  Thy  sacred  feet. 

Grant,  O  gracious  Jesu,  that  I  may  meditate 
on  these  things,  and,  with  Thy  hoty  and  most 
devoted  ones,  Mary  Magdalene  and  Thy  other 
disciples,  may  so  weep  that,  at  the  last  day, 
when  the  trumpet  shall  sound,  I  may  be  found 
meet  to  come  to  the  glory  of  the  Resurrection ; 
and  to  enter,  with  aU  Thine  Elect,  into  the 
kingdom  of  eternal  blessedness.     Amen. 

May  Thy  most  noble  armor,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  be  to  me  a  sure  protection,  within  and 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      325 

without,  against  all  the  darts  of  the  enemy, 
and  against  whatever  allm*ements  and  opposi- 
tions the  world  may  offer  me.     iVmen. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

ON  THE  APPEARANCE  OF  CHRIST  TO  SEVEN  DIS- 
CIPLES, WHEN  THEY  WERE  FISHING  IN  THE 
SEA  OF  TIBERIAS. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Who  art  the 
Maker  of  aU  things,  and  the  Ruler  of 
heaven  and  eai-th,  of  Angels  and  men,  of  high 
and  low,  of  rich  and  poor,  of  those  who  dwell 
on  land  and  those  who  labor  in  the  gi'eat 
waters,  I  bless  and  thank  Thee  for  openly  show- 
ing Thyself,  after  Thy  glorious  Resurrection, 
to  seven  of  Thy  disciples,  who  were  toiling  for 
fish  in  the  Sea  of  Tiberias,  to  secure,  out  of 
their  honest  labors,  the  necessaries  of  life,  and 
means  of  support  for  the  helpless  and  strangers. 

AU  this  was  well  pleasing  to  God  and  man ; 

allowed  to  us  by  the  law  of  nature,  and  the 

bountiful   favor  of   God;    for   the   manifold 

advantages     arising    therefrom.     Idleness    is 

.  avoided,  and  time  profitably  employed. 

I  praise  and  honor  Thee,  most  gi-acious  Jesus, 
Thou  Visitor  of  them  that  labor,  the  helper  in 


326      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

due  season,  by  giving  good  counsel  to  them 
tliat  need  it;  thereby  graciously  sustaining 
bodily  life  by  land  and  in  the  waters. 

I  bless  Thee  for  Thy  reverend  standing  on 
the  sea-shore,  observing  how  lovingly  Thy  dis- 
ciples were  joined  together,  aiding  one  the  other 
in  theii*  labors ;  how  orderly  they  proceeded ; 
how,  after  their  wonted  manner,  without  any 
noise  or  words  of  anger,  they  took  up  their  im- 
plements of  fishing,  and  passed  to  their  respect- 
ive posts;  ready  to  apply  themselves  vigor- 
ously should  some  storm  oblige. 

Thus  wisely  placed,  these  disciples  labored 
all  the  night  through.  They  rowed,  and 
di'agged,  and  toiled  hard,  until  morning,  but 
nothing  whatever  did  they  take. 

Wlierefore,  despairing  of  their  labor,  they 
were  now  thinking  of  ceasing  from  further 
fishing,  unless  God  should  provide  better  for 
them. 

But  this  great  difficulty  in  catching  fish  was 
permitted,  that,  afterwards,  when  Jesus,  then- 
Master  and  Lord,  came  and  guided  them,  great 
might  be  their  joy. 

Because,  during  the  past  night,  Jesus  Avas 
not  bodily  present  in  the  ship,  as  He  had  wont 
to  be  so  often  formerly,  little  or  no  success  had 
they.  It  was  as  He  had  told  them  before, 
"  Without  Me  ye  can  do  nothing." 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      327 

But,  beloved  diseiples,  do  uot  despair  on  ae- 
count  of  this  change;  for  a  cloudy  morning 
often,  by  God's  favor,  turns  to  a  bright  noon- 
day. 

Wait  a  little,  and  call  upon  the  gracious 
Lord  Jesus,  and  it  shall  go  well  mth  you  after 
yoiu"  night's  toil. 

And  so  it  came  to  pass.  WTien  Jesus  ap- 
peared and  said,  "  Cast  the  net  on  the  right  side 
of  the  ship,  and  ye  shall  find  plentifull}-,  al- 
though before,  when  I  was  absent,  ye  could 
take  nothing." 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee,  O  Jesu,  who  fore- 
seest  all  things,  for  Thy  gracious  discourse  with 
these  poor  fisliernien,  who  had  now  no  sui'e 
income,  no  Church  supplies  to  live  on;  but, 
by  the  labor  of  their  hands,  were  lawfully  pro- 
curing for  themselves  the  necessaries  of  life, 
lest,  by  begging,  they  should  become  bm-den- 
some  to  others,  or,  by  their  idleness,  prove  an 
offence  to  the  weak. 

Therefore  didst  Thou,  O  good  Jesus,  in  the 
time  of  their  need,  come  to  the  aid  of  Thy 
poor  ones ;  asking  them,  if  they  had  with  them 
an\'tliing  to  eat ;  inquiring,  in  a  friendly  man- 
ner, concerning  their  food,  "  Children,  have  ye 
any  meat  ? "     They  answered,  "  Xo." 

A  brief  reply  to  the  Lord  Omnipotent,  who 
knoweth  all  things  from  eternity;  to  Whom 


328      Medifatio7is  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

every  heart  is  open,  and  every  secret ;  all  that 
was  in  the  ship,  and  everything  that  swims  in 
the  sea. 

Thou  didst  therefore,  O  gracious  Jesu,  pity 
their  poverty,  as  Thou  hadst  formerly  com- 
passion on  the  hungry  multitude  in  the  desert ; 
speedily  giving,  by  a  single  word,  counsel  and 
relief  to  those  that  were  obedient  to  Thee. 

Therefore,  trusting  to  God  rather  than  to 
their  own  skill,  with  good  faith  they  cast  the 
net  on  the  right  side  of  the  ship.  They  obeyed 
the  command  of  the  Lord,  Who  was  standing 
on  the  sea-shore ;  and  His  words  were  more 
effectual  far,  than  oars  or  aught  beside. 

And  lo  !  now,  by  the  help  of  Jesus,  their  net 
was  filled  with  so  great  a  multitude  of  fishes, 
that  they  were  not  able  to  draw  it  to  the  shore. 
So  vast  are  the  gifts  of  God,  they  far  exceed 
the  powers  of  man. 

Seeing  this,  so  great  a  miracle  wrought,  that 
disciple,  whom  Jesus  loved,  said  to  his  compan- 
ions, and  especially  to  Peter,  "  It  is  the  Lord." 

On  hearing  this,  Peter  rejoiced  with  exceed- 
ing great  joy,  and  his  heart  was  moved  with 
such  fervent  love,  that,  forgetting  and  heedless 
of  all  left  in  the  ship,  he  girt  his  fisher's  coat 
unto  him,  and  at  once  east  himself  into  the  sea, 
and  hastened  to  Jesus  his  Lord  ;  Whom  he  loved 
above  every  holy  name,  blessed  for  evennore. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      329 

O  with  what  great  reverence  and  boldness 
did  he  approach  Thee,  O  Lord  Jesu,  and  bend 
his  wet  knees  before  Thee,  adoring  and  honor- 
ing Thy  face,  which  is  brighter  than  the  sun, 
and  ever  visible  to  the  holy  Angels. 

That  face  was  now,  for  a  brief  season,  mani- 
fested to  Peter  and  his  companions,  for  their 
comfort ;  but  the  sight  thereof  is  utterly  denied 
to  the  mighty  and  rich  of  this  world,  and  to  all 
the  idle  lovers  of  luxury. 

O  gracious  and  sweet  Jesus !  hide  not  Thou 
Thy  face  from  me,  whatever  may  be  my  place 
or  my  cidling. 

Come  and  be  near  unto  me,  when  I  am  sing- 
ing, reading,  meditating,  writing,  or  studying. 

Remember  me  in  prosperity,  and,  when  any 
trouble  shall  suddenly  visit  me ;  give  me  pa- 
tience in  my  heart,  and  with  my  mouth  ever  to 
bless  Thee,  and  to  bear  all  things  contentedly, 
for  the  love  of  Thee  and  of  Thy  honor. 

Visit  me  in  the  night  season,  that,  at  the  call  to 
early  prayer,  I  may  quickly  rise  with  ray  breth- 
ren, to  sing  the  Psalms,  and  help  them ;  as  did 
those  Apostles,  who, throughout  the  whole  night, 
toiled  on  together  to  catch  fish,  until  the  day 
dawned,  and  Thou  camest  and  gavest  a  blessing. 

For  when  Thou  wast  present  and  didst  bless 
them,  their  net  was  filled  with  a  multitude  of 
great  fishes. 


330      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

lu  like  manner,  O  Lord,  I  beseech  Thee, 
that,  when  I  pray,  Thou  wouldest,  by  Thy  grace 
preventing  and  following  me,  vouchsafe  to  fill 
me  with  so  great  a  sweetness  of  inner  devotion, 
that  many  long  Psalms  may  be  more  pleasant 
to  me,  than  great  fishes  to  him  that  is  hungiy. 

For  the  delight  of  the  mind  is  greater  far 
than  that  of  the  flesh.  The  spirit  re\ives,  the 
flesh  weighs  down.  The  spirit  purifies  and 
gladdens,  the  flesh  stains  and  makes  sad. 

The  spu'it  is  submissive  and  obedient  to  God, 
but  the  flesh  often  resists  Him  and  does  us 
harm.  For  the  soul  is  better  than  the  body ;  the 
living  spirit  more  worthy  than  decaying  flesh. 
The  world  has  its  sweetness,  but  sweeter  far 
and  more  excellent  above  all  things  is  God,  the 
Creator  and  Ruler  of  aU  things. 

Through  aU  creation  blessed  be  Thou,  O 
Lord  Jesu  Chi-ist,  my  God !  who  alone  doest 
great  wonders  by  sea  and  by  land. 

For,  with  Thy  chosen  friends  Thou  dost 
gladly  eat  and  feast.  Yea,  in  hymns  and 
psalms,  which  are  sweeter  than  aU  earthly  food 
and  pleasant  drink.  Thou  dost  prepare  for 
them  a  sacred  and  spiritual  banquet. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.     331 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

ON   THE    FEASTING  OF    CHRIST  WITH    THE  SAIVIE 
DISCIPLES. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Thou  Comforter 
of  the  afflicted,  Pitier  of  the  poor,  Re- 
storer of  the  huugry,  and  Strengthener  of  them 
that  labor ;  I  bless  and  give  Thee  thanks,  for 
corporally  feasting  with  Thy  disciples ;  and  for 
the  capture  of  fishes  so  many  and  so  gi'eat,  by 
the  hands  and  labor  of  Thy  beloved  disciples ; 
made  in  Thy  presence  and  through  the  power 
of  Thy  Avords,  when  Thou  saidst  unto  them, 
"  Cast  the  net  on  the  right  side  of  the  ship,  and 
ye  shall  find." 

0  the  great  grace  of  God !  Thou  art  the 
Creator  of  all  things,  and  dost  provide  for  the 
needy  and  the  little  ones,  who  have  no  store- 
rooms filled  with  food,  nor  bags  of  money  hid- 
den in  chests. 

Woe  to  those  who  trust  to  their  treasure- 
liolds,  whence  thieves  can,  in  one  night,  steal 
all,  and  wickedly  squander  it. 

1  praise  and  give  Thee  glory,  most  glorious 
eJesus,  for  the  friendly  invitation  of  Thy  dis- 
ciples, poor  fishermen,  to  dine  with  Thee,  after 


332      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

a  long  fast  and  hard  fishing,  sajing  unto  them : 
— "  Come  and  dine. 

"For  I  have  prepared  for  you,  who  are 
wearied  and  hungry,  fish  laid  on  biu'ning  coals 
and  bread. 

"  If  any  of  you  need  warmth,  let  him  come 
to  the  fii'e  and  warm  himself.  If  he  has  soiled 
or  wetted  his  clothing,  let  him  at  once  wash 
them,  and  dry  them,  at  the  fii^e  I  have  Myself 
made  ready. 

"  You  know  well  what  I  did  to  you  formerly, 
at  the  Supper,  before  My  Passion;  how  I 
washed  your  feet  and  wiped  them.  You  must 
weU  remember  My  discourse  to  you,  how  I  ex- 
horted you  long,  by  My  example,  to  walk  in 
humihty  and  love,  one  with  the  other. 

"  And  now,  after  My  Resurrection,  I  appear 
to  you,  admonishing  j^ou  the  more  diligently 
to  discharge  aU  such  duties,  and  dining  with 
you. 

"  For  Me  there  is  no  need  of  food ;  but  I 
now  speak  and  eat  with  you,  to  show  to  you 
the  reality  of  My  glorified  Body. 

"  Therefore,  dine  with  Me  in  love,  soberly 
and  modestly  with  silence ;  abstaining  from 
all  vain  things,  as  I  so  often  taught  you,  and 
as  ye  have  seen  in  Me  and  ofttimes  heard. 

"For  from  My  mouth  no  light  word  ever 
proceeded;    but  always  that  which  was  well 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      333 

pleasing  to  My  Father;  and  to  others  that 
heard  it,  it  was  helpful  and  prolific  of  good." 

Witnesses  of  these  things  are  the  four  Holy 
Gospels,  scattered  abroad  over  the  world,  within 
which  is  found  nothing  vain,  nothing  unseemly. 

'•  Be  content  now  with  the  few  things  ye  see, 
which  I  have  made  ready  for  you,  My  children, 
who  have  said,  'We  have  no  meat.'  Desire 
not  food  that  is  costly  and  prepared  with 
spices ;  fare  of  the  luxurious,  unfitted  for  de- 
vout brothers  and  sisters  in  Christ,  who  have 
given  up  this  world.  Be  pleased  rather  with 
simple  food,  bread  and  fish,  which,  by  God's 
favor,  is  graciously  provided  for  you. 

''  These,  however,  may  not  perchance  be  suffi- 
cient for  you,  because  of  strangers,  and  poor 
mendicants,  who  come  to  you.  Such  sufferers 
ye  must  not  turn  away,  but,  according  to  yoiu' 
poAver,  nourish  and  comfort  them. 

"  Therefore,  I  say  to  you,  be  not  cast  down 
when  ye  have  but  little.  Trusting  in  Me,  bring 
of  the  fish,  which  now,  with  joy  of  heart,  ye 
have  taken  so  abundantly." 

Hearing  this,  Simon  Peter,  in  ready  and 
prompt  obedience,  went  up  and,  aided  by  his 
companions,  drew  the  net  to  land  full  of  great 
fishes,  an  hundred  and  fifty  and  three. 

And  they  all,  fuU  of  wonder,  gave  thanks  to 
God  the  Father,  and  to  Thee,  Jesus  Christ,  His 


334      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Son,  Whom  they  saw  present  with  them,  and 
knew  by  the  Holy  Ghost. 

And  therefore,  no  one  durst  ask  Him,  "Who 
art  Thou,  Who  now  standest  here  with  us,  and 
speakest  and  eatest  ? " 

For  they  all  knew  of  a  truth,  that  it  was 
Thou,  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  Who  didst  rise 
again  from  the  closed  tomb,  alive  and  immortal, 
and  didst  manifest  Thyself  to  us. 

O  Lord  Jesu  Christ,  Who  art  the  beloved 
friend  of  all  the  devout,  the  sweet  host  of  the 
soul,  a  cheerful  companion  among  Thy  brethren 
and  friends,  I  praise  and  thank  Thee  for  so 
good  a  meal  and  social  repast ;  which  Thou 
didst  prepare  for  Thy  beloved  disciples,  who 
were  wearied,  after  long  and  laborious  fishing. 
Thou  didst  invite  them  to  dine,  and  with  Thine 
own  hand  Thou  didst  administer  to  them  bread 
blessed  by  Thy  mouth,  and  also  fish  broiled  on 
the  fire,  glowing  with  love ;  inwardly  savored 
with  spiritual  sweetness. 

O  how  pleasant  was  the  taste  of  that  food, 
which  Jesus  prepared — and  then  served  at  the 
table,  for  which  He,  as  Director  of  the  Refec- 
tory, had  provided ! 

And  what  shall  I  say  more  ?  Truly  very  de- 
lightful was  this  feast,  which  Jesus  held  with 
His  disciples ;  but  0  !  how  far  more  excellent, 
how  much  higher  in  dignity,  and  more  joyous. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      335 

is  the  sacred  Feast  of  His  precious  Body  and 
Blood,  which  is  ever  celebrated  in  His  Church. 

In  which  Jesus  Himself  is  taken ;  His  Pas- 
sion, which  He  endured  for  us  all,  is  remembered 
anew ;  the  mind,  which  in  itself  is  often  arid 
and  cold,  is  filled  with  grace,  through  the  joy- 
giving  presence  of  Jesus  in  the  heart. 

In  this  sacred  Feast  a  pledge  of  future  glory 
is  iilso  given  to  the  devout  soul,  for  the  com- 
fort and  nourishment  of  its  spiritual  life,  in 
this  its  pilgi'image ;  until  Christ  shaU  come, 
and  take  that  soul  to  Himself,  away  from  every 
labor  and  sorrow  of  its  present  misery,  into 
eternal  rest ;  to  be,  together  ^\^th  His  holy  dis- 
ciples, ever  in  the  house  of  His  Father.  There 
the  Redeemed  shaU  neither  hunger  nor  thirst, 
but  shall  rejoice  with  Christ  for  ever. 

Unwillingly  am  I  torn  from  that  good  and 
joj'ful  company  of  Saints,  and  from  the  sweet 
feast  of  Jesus  with  His  disciples,  on  the  shore 
of  Galilee's  Sea. 

I  desire  and  pray,  with  the  deepest  yearning 
of  my  heart,  that,  in  this  present  life,  I  may  be 
made  one  of  the  least  of  the  beloved  disciples 
of  Jesus,  through  a  contempt  of  the  world,  and 
a  renouncing  of  all  that  is  transitory  therein  ; 

Not  by  my  merits  and  my  doings,  but  through 
the  grace  of  God,  and  the  compassion  of  my 
Lord  Jesu  Christ ;  so  that,  in  His  kingdom  to 


336      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

come,  I  may  be  found  meet  to  be  visited  and 
comforted  by  Him,  and,  with  all  His  Saints,  to 
rejoice  and  be  blessed  in  glor}-.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

ON  THE  LOVING  DISCOURSE  OF  JESUS  WITH  ST. 
PETER  AND  ST.  JOHN  THE  APOSTLE,  CONCERN- 
ING  THE   LOVE   OF   HEVI. 

OLORD  JESU  CHRIST,  Thou  tenderest 
Lover  of  men,  and  most  wise  Teacher 
of  little  ones,  I  bless  and  give  Thee  thanks,  for 
Thy  gracious  discoiu'se  with  St.  Peter,  concern- 
ing the  love  of  Thee ;  chiefly,  in  Thy  having 
thrice  questioned  him. 

Vouchsafing  to  call  him  by  the  name  of  his 
father,  making  special  mention  thereof,  to  the 
wonder  and  exceeding  great  joy  of  the  Apostle. 

Joy  indeed,  because,  speaking  with  him, 
Thou  didst  only  ask  concerning  his  inward 
love,  saying,  "  Simon,  son  of  Jonas,  lovest  thou 
Me  more  than  these  ? " 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee,  O  most  worthy 
Jesus,  for  Thine  ineffable  goodness  and  gentle- 
ness, that  Thou  didst  not  reproach  St.  Peter, 
for  the  grievous  sin  he  had  committed  against 
Thee ;  but  rather  Thou  didst  inquire  after  his 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      337 

love  for  Thee,  the  existence  of  whicli  Thou 
knewcst  full  well,  and  so  didst  stir  him  up  to 
greater  fervor,  and  make  that  love  manifest  to 
the  Brethi-eu,  thei-e  present. 

Moreover,  how  noble  and  holy  was  Peter  in 
Thy  sight ;  and  how  tenderly  Thou  didst  love 
him,  even  after  his  fall,  Thou  didst  now  declare 
to  the  whole  world. 

Lest,  may  be,  some  fallen  creature,  forgetful 
of  his  own  state,  should  think  irreverently  of 
him,  with  w^hom  Thou,  O  Lord,  didst  so  lov- 
ingly talk  and  cat. 

I  praise  Thee,  for  the  right  and  free  answer 
of  St.  Peter  to  Thy  words.  x\ll  presumptuous 
and  careless  speaking  being  avoided,  he  pro- 
fessed not  himself,  in  his  love  for  Thee,  more 
devoted  than  many  others ;  teaching  me  and 
all  men  to  think  humbly,  to  consider  discreetly, 
to  answer  questions  wisely,  and  to  uphold  the 
Christian  Faith  truly  and  resolutely  against  all 
opposition. 

Thrice,  therefore,  he  spake  in  honor  of  the 
Holy  Trinit}',  because  thrice,  when  in  fear,  he 
had  denied  Thee.  Believing  with  his  whole 
heart,  all  doubt  discarded,  thrice  he  said,  "  I  love 
Thee,"  "I  love  Thee,"  "I  love  Thee."  What 
more  ?    "  Lord,  Thou  knowest  that  I  love  Thee." 

O  St.  Peter !  what  sayest  thou,  if  men,  who 
see  not  thine  heart,  believe  thee  not  ? 


338      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

"  I  speak  to  my  Lord,  and  ciy  aloud  in  the 
hearing  of  all,  and  steadily  declare  with  heart 
and  voice,  'Lord,  Thou  knowest  all  things, 
Thou  knowest  that  I  love  Thee.' 

"Lord,  Thou  hast  searched  me  out,  and 
known  me ;  Thou  knewest  my  downsitting, 
when  I  denied  Thee ;  Thou  knewest  my  upris- 
ing, when  I  wept  bitterly  and  truly  repented. 
Thou  hast  pardoned  me.  Lord,  Thou  hast  par- 
doned me,  wherein  I  have  sinned  against  Thee. 

"  Thou  hast  pardoned  all  mine  offences  for 
Thy  holy  Name's  sake,  for  sweet  is  Thy  com- 
passion ;  manifold  are  Thy  mercies  over  all 
Thy  works,  from  everlasting  to  everlasting." 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee,  most  sweet  Jesus, 
for  the  faithful,  loving  commendation  of  Thy 
lambs  and  sheep  to  the  pastoral  charge  of  Thy 
devoted  Apostle,  St.  Peter :  whom  Thou  didst 
call,  from  catching  fishes,  to  the  care  of  souls ; 
from  a  little  ship,  to  a  Bishop's  Chair ;  from 
poor  parents,  to  be  a  great  Master  in  Thy 
Church. 

Therefore,  by  a  divine  utterance  of  Thy  lov- 
ing voice.  Thou  didst  carefully  command  Peter, 
and  hast  enjoined  the  same  on  all  other  Prel- 
ates, saying,  "  Feed  My  sheep,  the  small  ones 
and  the  gi-eat,  the  rich  and  the  poor,  whom  I 
have  redeemed  with  My  precious  Blood." 

"  Remember,  Peter,  what  thou  wast,  before  I 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      339 

called  thee  from  the  ship  to  the  Apostolate; 
aud  what  thou  art  now  become.  Even  after 
thy  threefold  denial,  by  My  special  mercy  and 
favor,  I  have  raised  thee  to  high  honor ;  that 
thou  mayest  always  seek  not  thine  own  glory, 
but  Mine,  and  the  glory  of  My  Heavenly 
Father,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost." 

I  praise  Thee,  most  loving  Jesus,  for  the  most 
excellent  provision  touching  St.  Peter  and  St. 
John,  who  were  beloved  by  Thee  with  a  special 
love. 

For  by  Thee  was  St.  Peter  well  instructed ; 
by  Thy  example  he  was  strengthened  for  the 
sufferings  of  the  Cross. 

But  John,  a  youth  beloved,  Thou  didst  con- 
tinue, that  he  nught  teach  and  WTite  mysteries 
of  Thy  Holy  Church  higher  and  more  profit- 
able. Thou  didst  with  a  foreseeing  goodness 
give  him  a  longer  life  for  the  consolation  of 
many  of  the  faithfid. 

Therefore,  to  Petei'^s  inquiry  concerning  the 
end  of  John,  Thou  didst  briefly  reply,  ''My 
will  is,  that  he  tarry  thus  in  the  bod}',  for  the 
instruction  of  My  whole  Church ;  and  the 
special  care  of  My  ]\Iother,  commended  to  him 
by  Me,  when  I  was  yet  hanging  on  the  Cross. 

"  My  will  is  that  he  live  long,  and  write  cer- 
tain sublime  records  concerning  My  Godhead, 
and  My  Incarnation,  My  Passion,  and  Resur- 


340      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

rection.  This  he  will  do,  according  as  he  has 
seen  with  his  eyes,  aud  very  often  heard  with 
his  ears  from  My  mouth ;  until  I  come  in  pei-son 
to  hmi,  and  take  him  with  great  joy  to  Myself. 

"  What  is  that  to  thee,  Peter  1  Follow  thou 
Me." 

"  Follow  Me,  bearing  the  Cross  for  My  sake. 
For  great  indeed  to  thee  will  be  the  honor,  if 
thou  suffer  for  Me  a  like  death  on  the  Cross." 

This  being  said,  and  all  peacefully  arranged, 
the  bodily  feast  is  finished ;  but  not  the  spiiit- 
ual,  which  is  better  felt  in  devout  meditation 
and  prayer,  than  by  a  length}^  recital. 

Most  merciful  Lord  Jesu  Christ,  Thou  best 
Physician  of  the  wearied  soul,  I  beseech  Thee 
now  to  guide  me  aright,  through  the  various 
troubles  and  changes  of  this  my  life  of  sorrow ; 
and  bring  me  to  Thy  glory  in  the  Heaven  of 
Heavens. 

Drive  far  from  me  the  blasts  of  pride,  when 
I  am  reading  and  singing  in  the  choir  with  my 
Brethren,  albeit  better  men  than  I.  And  when 
I  am  studying  and  writing  holy  treatises,  grant 
that  I  may  not  think  highly  of  myself,  or  com- 
pare myself  with  those  who  are  more  learned, 
and  by  Thee  more  highly  endowed  than  I.  So 
shall  I  not  lose  the  fruit  of  good  works  here  on 
earth,  nor,  in  the  world  to  come,  eternal  reward 
with  Thee  in  heaven. 


Jleditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      341 

Preserve  me  alao,  iu  the  stroug  tempest  of 
anger,  from  hard  thoughts  against  the  Breth- 
ren ;  that  I  may  study  to  bear  kindly  witli  the 
manners  and  failings  of  others;  to  exeuse 
them,  as  I  readily  do  my  own  shortcomings. 
For  so  didst  Thou,  O  Lord,  in  ^^^sdom  teach  Thy 
disciples,  bearing  with  them  long  and  often, 
gently  guiding  tliem  to  a  more  perfect  life. 

Grant  me,  that  I  may  follow  Thee  by  the 
way  of  the  Cross ;  patiently  bearing  labor  of 
bodj',  and  sorrow  of  heart,  even  unto  death. 

Of  Thy  gracious  compassion,  vouchsafe  to 
me,  an  unworthy  sinner,  with  honest  and  faith- 
ful St.  Thomas,  mentally  to  touch  and  rely  on 
Thy  sacred  wounds;  and  daily  to  meditate 
thereon,  at  the  time  of  the  Blessed  Sacrament, 
in  my  study,  at  my  meals,  at  all  times  and  in 
all  places,  for  an  expression  of  my  thanksgiv- 
ing, for  the  love  of  Thy  holy  Name,  and  the 
honor  of  Thy  holy  Cross. 

Grant  me  also,  with  the  Apostle  St.  John,  to 
love  Thee  with  a  pure  heart  and  body,  gladly 
to  read  and  hear  his  holy  Gospel,  and  treasure 
it  in  my  breast.  Let  me  rest,  as  it  were,  on 
Thy  bosom  ;  lose  all  thoughts  of  things  earthly ; 
and,  with  him  in  the  Apocah'pse,  contemplate 
the  secret  things  of  Heaven. 

Be  Thou  merciful  to  me,  O  Lord,  and  defend 
me  from  all  evils,  that  violently  assail  me. 


342      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Strengthen  me,  in  all  virtues  and  godly  liv- 
ing, to  resist  the  enticing  but  bitter  delusions 
of  Satan  ;  so  hateful  to,  and  despised  by  Thee 
and  Thy  holy  Angels. 

Strengthen  me  also  to  root  out  all  pride  of 
mind,  to  bridle  all  fleshly  lust,  to  keep  the  door 
of  my  heart  and  mouth,  and  have  a  strict  guard 
over  my  other  senses. 

Grant  me,  O  Son  of  God,  ynth  the  sons  of 
Zebedee,  to  di'ink  the  cup  of  Thy  Passion  for 
the  forgiveness  of  my  sins ;  and  with  them,  and 
all  Thy  Saints,  to  feast  together  with  Thee  in 
the  Kingdom  of  Heaven.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

ON  THE  APPEARANCE  OF  CHRIST  TO  THE  ELEVEN 
DlSCn>LES   ON   MOUNT  TABOR,   IN   GALILEE. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Chi'ist,  Thou  King  of  heaven  and  earth, 
Who  weighest  the  mountains,  and  enclosest  the 
earth  in  Thy  hand ;  Wlio  sittest  above  the 
Cherubim  and  Seraphim,  beholding  the  great 
deeps ;  Wlio  walkest  above  the  stars  of  heaven, 
and  considerest  the  ends  of  the  earth;  and 
knowest  all  things  before  they  come  to  pass. 
I  bless,  praise,  and  honor  Thee,  for  that  joy- 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Chnat.      343 

fill,  glorious,  aud  noble  Manifestation  of  Thy- 
self to  Thy  eleven  diseiples  on  Mount  Tabor ; 
as  before  Thy  Passion  Thou  didst  openly  and 
clearly  promise  them,  saying,  ''  I  will  smite  the 
Shepherd,  and  the  sheep  of  the  flock  shall  be 
scattered  abroad.  But  after  I  am  risen  again, 
I  will  go  before  you  into  Galilee." 

First,  therefore.  Thou  didst  foretell  to  them 
two  events,  sad  indeed  and  gi-ievous  for  be- 
loved friends  to  hear ;  namely,  the  smiting  the 
Shepherd,  meaning  that  Thou  Thyself  shouldest 
suffer  from  the  Jews ;  then  that  the  dispersion 
of  the  sheep — then-  own  flight  and  waiting  for 
fear  of  punishment  and  death — would  speedily 
foUow. 

But  lest  they  should  despair,  weighed  down 
by  the  load  of  evils,  Thou  didst  forthwith  add 
two  great  consoling  joys.  Thou  didst  assure 
them  of  Thy  glorious  ResmTection  on  the  thii-d 
day ;  and  of  Thy  blessed  appearance  at  a  cer- 
tain place  Avell  known  to  them,  on  Mount  Ta- 
bor, in  Gahlee.  There  formerly,  Thou  didst 
work  many  signs  and  wonders,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  Thy  diseiples,  and  before  all  the 
people. 

O  Galilee  !  thou  Holy  Land !  Clu-ist's  coun- 
try, wherein  is  Nazareth,  the  flowery,  that  city 
which  He  inhabited,  and  made  illustrious  by 
His  glorious  presence ;  and  from  whence  came 


344      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

forth  to  us  the  eternal  joys  of  om-  salvation, 
told  of  in  the  Holy  Gospels. 

I  praise  and  honor  Thee,  O  Jesu,  for  Thy 
great  goodness ;  becavise  Thou  didst  invite  Thy 
disciples  to  come  apart  to  a  holy  and  secret 
place,  far  away  from  the  noise  and  worry  of 
the  world ;  fitly  chosen  for  hearing  commands 
divine. 

On  that  spot,  formerly,  before  three  fitting 
Avitnesses,  Peter,  James,  and  John,  the  other 
apostles  being  absent.  Thou  wast  transfigured ; 
and,  a  voice  coming  from  the  Father,  out  of 
the  cloud,  Thou  wast  clothed  and  adorned  with 
an  exceeding  brightness;  there,  by  a  secret 
revelation,  wast  Thou  manifested,  to  strengthen 
the  faith  of  Thy  Apostles,  before  Thy  Passion. 

But  in  this  most  open  appearance,  after  Thy 
most  glorious  Resurrection,  Thou  didst  mani- 
fest Thyself  in  the  presence  of  a  greater  num- 
ber of  Thy  disciples ;  strengthening  those  who 
believed,  convincing  those  who  doubted,  gra- 
ciously tea(4iing  all ;  gladdening  them  by  Thy 
presence,  and  by  the  power  given  to  Thee  by 
the  Father,  over  all  things  in  heaven  and  in 
earth. 

Having  heard  these  things  from  Thy  mouth, 
those  who  were  present  justly  worshipped  Thee, 
and  glorified  Thy  holy  Name.  Falling  down 
before  Thee  to  the  ground,  they  rejoiced  and 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Chrint.      'A47) 

sang  with  deep  devotion  a  now  hyirin  to  Thee, 
our  God.  For  they  then  k'arnt  such  lofty  and 
wondrous  things  concerning  the  Holy  Trinity, 
such  as  no  one  is  able  fully  to  express. 

O  glorious  and  delightful  vision !  O  most 
exalted  and  divine  revelation  !  O  the  gi-eat  and 
unspeakable  joy  in  the  hearts  of  Thy  Holy 
Apostles. 

O  sweet  and  gentle  Jesus,  I  praise  and  glo- 
rify Thee,  Thou  who  spakest  with  Thy  disciples 
so  lovingly  on  the  Mount ;  revealing  to  them 
the  true  doctrine  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  and  de- 
livering to  them  the  right  form  of  words  to  be 
used,  when  baptizing  the  Faithful  in  the  river 
of  waters,  for  the  remission  of  sins,  "In  the 
name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.    Amen." 

In  these  Avords,  verily,  I  believe  that  I  was 
baptized  by  a  faithful  Priest,  and  by  faitliful 
parents  instructed  and  brought  up  in  the  true 
Catholic  Faith,  as  taught  in  the  Holy  Church. 

Thanks  to  Thee,  O  Christ,  from  Whom 
Cometh  every  good  to  man,  together  with  the 
hope  of  Life  eternal.  To  which,  O  Lord,  vouch- 
safe to  bring  me,  when  my  days  on  earth  are 
over ;  deliver  me,  I  pray  Thee,  from  the  bitter 
pains  of  eternal  death  ! 

It  is  for  me  to  pray ;  Thine  it  is,  in  mercy, 
to  be  my  Helper. 


346      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

I  am  weak  and  unstable ;  Thou  art  holy  and 
full  of  compassion.  Thou  canst  deliver  me 
from  ever}^  trouble ;  leading  me  with  Thee  to 
the  mountain  of  Thy  giory. 

O  Jesu !  Thou  saving  health  of  my  counte- 
nance, and  my  (lod ;  to  Thee  I  cry,  for  Thee  I 
yearn,  night  and  day  I  pray  unto  Thee.  Let 
Thy  grace  alone  uphold  me,  until  I  be  safely 
wdth  Thee  for  ever.  Who,  with  the  Father, 
and  the  Holy  Ghost,  livest  and  reignest,  ever 
one  God,  world  without  end.     Amen. 


PART    lY. 

ON  THE  ASCENSION,  PENTECOST,  AND 
CERTAIN  OTHER  MATTERS. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      349 


CHAPTER  I. 

ON    THE    ASCENSION     OF     OUR    LORD,    AND    HIS 
APPEARANCE. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  King  of  Glory,  Creator  of 
heaven  and  earth,  Ruler  of  Angels  and  Saviour 
of  men,  Who  hatest  the  proud  and  comfortest 
the  humble,  Wlio  didst  on  this  day  triumph 
above  all  the  heavens,  and  above  all  the  stars 
thereof;  above  the  Cheiiibim  and  Seraphim; 
above  all  angelic  dignity,  and  created  excel- 
lency. Yea,  on  this  day,  'mid  the  songs  of 
Angels,  with  the  sound  of  the  trumpet  and  a 
merry  noise,  Thou  didst  by  Thine  0"s\ti  power, 
in  the  presence  of  Thy  disciples,  ascend  with  a 
joyful  countenance  and  glorious  Body,  clothed 
with  hght  as  with  a  garment. 

Having  overcome  the  prince  of  this  world, 
Thou  didst  show  the  way  of  eternal  Life  and 
Glory  to  chosen  and  devoted  friends;  whom 
Thou  didst  call  out  of  this  world,  and  strengthen 
to  follow  Thee,  along  the  nigged  road  of  the 
Cross. 

O  Lord,  my  God,  how  excellent  is  Thy  Name 
in  all  the  earth  !  O  King  of  Heaven  !  how  glo- 


350      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

riously  didst  Thou  enter  into  the  Kingdom  of 
Thy  Father. 

With  what  great  honor  and  glory  wast  Thou 
crowned  above  all  Thy  Saints,  and  placed  in 
the  highest  dignity,  at  the  right  hand  of  Thy 
Father,  because  Thou  didst  pour  out  Thy  soul 
unto  death.  Yea,  Thou  didst  vouchsafe  to  die 
for  the  ungodly,  that  Thou  mightest  quicken 
Thy  people,  and  make  them  to  sit  down  at  Thy 
table  in  Thy  Kingdom ;  which  Thou  didst  pre- 
pare for  them  from  the  foundation  of  the  world. 
It  was  not  for  their  own  merits  or  for  any  good- 
ness that  dwelleth  inman,but  in  Thy  loving  kind- 
ness, and  the  midtitude  of  Thy  tender  mercies. 

0  how  great  the  dignity  of  man's  estate,  that 
human  nature,  united  to  God  in  one  Person, 
should  far  excel  every  creature  in  heaven  and 
in  earth. 

Rightly,  therefore,  as  a  fitting  act  of  thanks- 
giving and  praise,  all  creatures,  which  are  in 
heaven,  and  on  earth,  and  under  the  earth, 
should,  at  Thy  Name,  most  gracious  Jesu,  bow 
down  and  bend  their  knees  before  Thy  face, 
and  worship  the  presence  of  Thy  Glory — they 
should  exalt  and  praise  Thy  high  and  holy 
Name  above  all  things  for  ever. 

1  praise  and  honor  Thee  for  Thy  loving  visit 
and  last  appearance  before  Thy  disciples,  as 
they  sat  at  meat,  assembled  in  an  upper  room. 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      o3l 

They  were  devoutly  talking  of  Thee,  and  greatly 
longing  to  see  Thy  face;  and  rejoiced  were 
they,  that,  during  their  meal,  Thou  didst  come 
for  theii'  especial  comfort. 

For,  as  often  as  they  assembled  to  eat  to- 
gether and  to  converse,  their  talking  was  chiefly 
concerning  God,  and  the  Kingdom  of  God ; 
concerning  peace  and  brotherly  love ;  concern- 
ing virtues  and  the  salvation  of  souls ;  but,  of 
the  meat  and  drink  set  l^efore  them  they  cared 
little — secondary  were  they  altogether.  Hav- 
ing all  things  in  common,  no  one  sought  for 
special  and  choice  dishes. 

For  the  common  life  of  Saints  is  rich  and 
sufficient ;  but  they  who  seek  theh*  own  com- 
forts lose  blessings  free  to  all,  and  rarel}'  are 
inwardly  content. 

I  more  especially  praise  Thee,  O  eternal  King 
most  High,  for  that  loving  feast  with  these  Thy 
poor  Apostles.  It  was  not  with  Rulers  and 
Chief  Priests,  nor  was  it  with  the  rich  of  this 
world,  by  whom  Thou  and  Thy  disciples,  whom 
Thou  didst  choose  out  of  the  world,  and  sepa- 
rate from  the  company  of  the  wicked,  were  ut- 
terly despised. 

I  tliank  Thee,  that,  before  Thou  didst  ascend 
into  Heaven,  Thou  didst  Adsit  and  strengthen 
Thy  weak  and  timid  disciples,  left  to  straggle 
amidst  the  waves  of  this  life. 


352      Medifafious  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

To  them  Thou  didst  reveal  many  heavenly 
secrets  concerning  thing-s  past  and  things  to 
come,  that,  comforted  l^y  Thy  words,  they 
might  not  fail  to  endm-e  troubles  manfuUy  for 
Thy  Name's  sake. 

I  praise  and  honor  Thee,  O  Lord  Jesu  Christ, 
Thou  Teacher  that  excellest  all  Teachers  of 
Theology,  for  every  word  Thou  spakest,  whether 
openly  or  dimly,  to  Thy  disciples,  and  before 
the  multitude ;  for  Thy  many  beautiful  and 
mystical  parables ;  and  for  the  plain  doctrines, 
fitted  to  the  capacity  of  Thine  hearers. 

I  praise  Thee  for  the  right  interpretation  and 
clear  exposition  of  divine  utterances  in  the 
books  of  Moses  and  the  Prophets,  which  bear 
true  witness  of  Thee,  and  of  all  the  holy  works 
and  glorious  miracles  wrought  by  Thee,  whilst 
Thou  wast  in  the  world  ;  and  by  Thee  ordered 
to  be  proclaimed  throughout  all  nations. 

I  praise  and  greatly  bless  Thee,  most  loving 
Jesus  Christ,  Thou  eternal  Shepherd,  for  the 
tender  care  of  Thy  poor  and  humble  flock, 
placed  as  they  were  in  the  midst  of  a  stubborn 
nation,  whom  Thou  didst,  on  this  day,  visit 
with  gladness  in  an  upper  room. 

Having  instructed  them,  and  upbraided  them 
for  the  hardness  of  their  unbelief.  Thou  didst 
lead  them  out  of  Jerusalem  unto  the  Mount  of 
Olives,  to  behold  Thy  public  and  illustrious 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      353 

Ascension  to  the  <?elestial  Gloiy  of  Thy  Father, 
after  the  long;  pilgrimage  of  this  life,  and  the 
requisite  and  due  fulfilment  of  all  righteousness 
and  perfect  obedienee. 

Where,  also,  in  the  presence  of  Thy  holy 
Mother,  with  the  devout  Mary  Magdalene,  and 
other  women  and  disciples  dear  to  Thee,  Thou 
didst  then  again  very  earnestly  address  to  them 
profitable  words  eoneerning  the  Kingdom  of 
(iod,  the  contempt  of  the  world,  the  expectation 
of  future  gi'ace,  and  of  the  coming  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  after  a  few  days.  Thou  didst  also  re- 
press an  over-curious  questioning,  on  the  part 
of  some,  about  the  end  of  the  world,  as  a  matter 
not  in  any  way  pertaining  to  them. 

^^ter  thus  speaking,  having  blessed  them 
with  Thy  sacred  hands,  and  bade  them  farewell. 
Thou,  with  a  glorious  Body,  wast  lifted  up,  by 
di\'ine  power,  into  the  lofty  habitation  of  the 
Heavens ;  where  an  innumerable  company  of 
Saints  and  Angels,  and  all  the  Heavenly  Hosts, 
singing  and  rejoicing  on  the  pipe  and  hai^p, 
came  forth  to  meet  Thee.  With  them  were  the 
Patriarchs,  and  Prophets,  and  holy  men  of  old, 
whom  Thou  didst  valiantly  redeem  from  the 
power  of  the  grave,  and  quietly  seat  in  a  Para- 
dise of  delight,  even  to  this  day. 

Therefore,  with  this  gi-eat  nniltitude  of  noble 
and  exidting  Saints,  Thou  didst  openly  ascend 


354      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

\\ath  joy,  and  might,  and  majesty,  to  the  royal 
and  lofty  throne  in  the  Heaven  of  Heavens — 
the  throne  most  worthily  prepared  for  Thee 
alone,  from  all  etei-nity. 

I  praise  and  heartily  thank  Thee,  Thou  only 
Son  of  God,  for  that  heavenly  and  pei'petual 
blessing,  which  Thou  didst  bestow  on  Thy  holy 
Mother,  and  on  all  Thy  holy  Apostles,  and  Thy 
other  disciples,  gathered  together  on  Mount 
Olivet. 

Wherefore,  I  now,  with  bended  knees,  em- 
bracing and  glorying  in  Thj-  holy  Cross,  adore 
and  together  praise  and  humbly  entreat  Thee, 
my  Lord,  Thou  King  of  Glory,  that  I  may 
share  in  Thy  loving  benediction,  and  find  in 
Thee  comfort  to  my  heart  in  this  my  day  of 
exile. 

And,  I  rejoice  with  all  Thy  Saints,  for  this 
day's  exceeding  great  joy  and  solemnity,  such 
as  no  one  before  ever  saw  or  heard  of,  in 
heaven,  or  on  earth ;  because  now  man's  nature 
has  been  raised  to  the  right  hand  of  the  Father, 
in  glory  everlasting.    Amen. 


Meditations  on  the  Liff  of  Christ.      .355 


CHAPTER  II, 

ON   THE  APPEARANCE  OF  THE  ANGELS  IN  WHITE 
APPAREL. 

I  BLESS  Thee  and  praise  Thee,  sweet  Jesu 
Clu-ist,  and  devoutly  do  I  thank  Thee,  be- 
cause, after  Thy  withdrawal  from  the  Apos- 
tles, and  Thine  entrance  with  the  Angels  into 
Heaven,  Thou  didst  send  two  Angels,  clothed 
in  white  apparel,  as  ambassadors  from  the  celes- 
tial Court,  to  comfort  Thy  desolate  disciples,  as 
they  were  looking  after  Thee  into  Heaven,  but 
unable  to  follow  Thee. 

And  the  Angels  said:  "Ye  men  of  Galilee, 
why  stand  ye  gazing  up  into  Heaven '!  Why 
are  \'e  amazed  at  this  gi'eat  and  wonderful 
miracle,  such  as  before  was  never  seen  ?  God 
is  omnipotent.  The  Incarnate  God  is  gone  up 
with  a  shout,  as  was  prophesied  in  the  P.salm 
concerning  Him. 

"  Ye.  therefore,  ought  to  preach,  and  testify 
to  others,  what  things  ye  have  heard  and  seen, 
as  was  commanded  you. 

"For  this  same  Jesus,  which  is  taken  up 
from  you  into  Heaven,  shall  so  come  in  like 
manner,  as  ye  have  seen  Him  go  into  Heaven. 


356      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

"And  then  He,  who  lately  appeared  meek 
and  lowly  among  you  on  earth,  that  He  might 
lead  His  humble  followers  into  His  heavenly 
kingdom,  shall  come,  with  great  power  and 
glory,  to  judge  both  the  quick  and  the  dead." 

O  loving  Jesus  !  I  beseech  Thee  now,  in  Thy 
Glory,  remember  me,  poor  and  helpless. 

Remember  and  have  mercy  upon  me,  an 
exile  and  a  pilgi'im,  an  outcast  in  this  vale  of 
tears,  sighing  and  wailing  'mid  the  various 
temptations  and  troubles  of  this  life,  which  so 
often  draw  back  my  heart  from  heavenly  bless- 
ings. 

Draw  me,  therefore,  after  Thee,  O  most  faith- 
ful Jesu ;  so  that,  if  wdth  the  feet  of  my  body  I 
cannot  follow  Thee,  I  may  seek  Thee  diligently 
in  the  steps  of  holy  desire  and  fervent  love. 

Although  I  am  unworthy — utterly  unfit  to 
behold  Thee  in  the  loftiness  of  Thy  divine 
Majesty,  I  will  with  lowliness  follow  Thee  in 
the  path  of  Thy  humility. 

O  blessed  vision,  to  behold  God  clearly  in 
Himself,  as  He  is  now  seen  perfectly  in  Heaven 
by  the  Angels  and  all  the  Saints ! 

And,  now  I  know  of  a  truth,  that  all  my 
yearning  can  never  be  satisfied,  nor  wholly  set 
at  rest,  by  an}^  earthly  good.  That  will  only 
come,  when,  freed  from  all  that  is  evil,  I  am 
united  to  Thee,  my  God,  in  Heaven. 


Meditaf  10116  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      357 

Therefore,  O  Jesu  Christ,  art  Thou  gone  be- 
fore me  to  the  Father,  to  prepare  the  way  and 
a  place  for  me,  where  I  may  abide  with  Thee ; 
to  secure  for  me  pardon  of  my  sins  through  the 
scars  of  Thy  wounds  ;  that  I  may,  now  and  for 
ever,  have  full  confidence  in  Thy  presence, 
through  the  multitude  of  Thy  mercies,  and  the 
magnitude  of  Thy  merits. 

O  good  Jesu !  forsake  me  not.  Thou,  who 
by  Thy  power  hast  done  gi-eat  and  marvellous 
things,  art  my  love,  and  the  desire  of  my  soul ; 
my  Saviour  and  my  Redeemer ;  my  hope  from 
my  youth  up;  my  expectation  and  my  sole 
trust,  even  unto  old  age. 

Thanking  Thee  most  heartily  for  Thine 
abundant  mercies,  I  will,  with  all  Thy  Saints, 
so  long  as  I  am  a  stranger  and  an  exile  in  this 
my  pilgrimage,  love  Thee,  and  praise  Thee 
above  all  things. 

Come,  now,  my  Soul,  return  with  Mary  the 
Mother  of  Jesus,  and  with  the  Apostles,  from 
the  Mount  of  Olives  into  Jerusalem ;  there  to 
seek  peace  of  heart,  and  rest  from  all  the  cares 
of  the  world. 

Ascend  then  with  them  into  the  large  upper 
room,  where  the  old  Passover  ceased  to  be,  and 
the  new  was  instituted  in  the  Holy  Sacrament 
of  the  Body  and  Blood  of  Chi'ist,  given  and 
ordained. 


358      Meditations  oh  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Therefore,  seriously  reflect  within  thyself; 
remaining  in  silence  and  solitude,  waiting  upon 
God  in  prayer  and  devout  meditation. 

And,  make  thyself  ready  for  the  Feast  of 
Pentecost,  now  at  hand ;  to  receive  with  the 
Apostles  the  Holy  Ghost,  on  a  greater  Festival. 
All  eartlily  comfort  cast  aside,  they  are  await- 
ing, in  a  secret  chamber,  the  new  joy  to  be  sent 
by  Christ  from  Heaven. 

Call  to  mind,  in  the  mean  season,  the  mercies 
of  God,  from  the  beginning  of  the  world  iintil 
now ;  more  especially  the  Incarnation  of  Christ, 
and  all  the  sayings  and  doings  recorded  of 
Him  in  the  Gospels,  from  the  day  of  His  birth, 
even  unto  the  present  day  of  His  glorious 
Ascension  to  the  Father. 


CHAPTER  m. 

ON  THE  SENDING  OF  THE  HOLY  GHOST  UPON 
THE  APOSTLES  OF  CHRIST,  AT  THE  FEAST  OF 
PENTECOST. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ,  Thou  most  loving  Comforter  of 
the  distressed,  sweet  Visitor  of  the  sick,  and 
mighty  Helper  of  all  in  trouble,  for  Thy  faith- 
ful promise  of  celestial  gifts,  from  Thy  lofty 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      359 

liabitation  in  the  lleavous,  and  from  the  Father 
of  Lights. 

And  for  Thy  profuse  bounty,  and  the  marvel- 
lous pouring-  forth  of  the  manifold  graces  of 
the  Holy  Ghost  upon  Thy  disciples,  assembled 
in  Jerusalem. 

There  they  were  together  in  an  upper  I'oom, 
praying  and  earnestly  waiting  for  the  comfort 
of  the  Holy  (iliost  from  Heaven ;  their  minds 
far  from  this  woi-ld.  Away  from  the  tumult 
of  life,  in  quietude  and  silence,  they  cast  from 
their  hearts  all  earthly  cares,  and,  intent  on 
heavenly  and  eternal  blessings,  they  prepared 
themselves  by  devout  prayer  for  the  i-icher  gifts 
of  grace. 

I  praise  and  glorify  Thee,  O  blessed  Jesu 
Christ,  King  of  the  holy  Angels,  for  the  joyous 
festivity  of  this  day,  and  for  the  solemn  bene- 
di(!tion,  and  sacerdotal  consecration  of  the  sa- 
cred fount  of  Baptism,  b^'  virtue  of  the  Holy 
Ghost ;  in  which,  aU  the  Faithful,  baptized  in 
the  name  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  are  cleansed 
from  all  tlieir  sins,  and  made  partakers  of  eter- 
nal Life.  Also,  ])y  the  gi-ace  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  they  are  deemed  meet  to  be  numbered 
as  heirs  of  the  heavenly  Kingdom,  and  com- 
panions of  Angels. 

I  laud  and  honor  Thee,  Who  didst  adorn  this 
most  sacred  da}'  by  many  mii'acles,  signs,  and 


360      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

gifts ;  aud  didst  cominand  it  to  be  observed  by 
Thy  faithful  followers  for  ever,  with  cheerful 
devotion. 

For,  on  this  very  day,  the  Law  of  old  time 
was  first  given  to  Thy  people  Israel,  by  Moses 
on  Mf)unt  Sinai ;  when,  freed  from  the  liea^y 
burden  of  bondage,  they  had  gone  fctrth  from 
the  land  of  Egypt  to  offer  to  Thee  Sacrifice  in 
the  wilderness.  Then  was  it,  Thou  didst  also 
give  for  food  sweet  manna  from  heaven. 

To  preserve  a  perpetual  memory  of  this,  Thou 
didst  ordain  that,  every  year  on  this  memorable 
day,  a  new  offering  of  the  fii-st  fruits  of  the 
earth  should  be  brought  to  Thee  for  a  thanks- 
giving. 

But  now,  under  the  New  Testament,  after 
Thou  hadst  gone  up  with  great  power  into 
Heaven,  far  above  all  Angels,  Thou  didst  dis- 
tinguish, bless,  and  consecrate  this  sacred  day, 
by  a  more  abundant  grace  and  favor. 

In  the  place  of  sweet  manna  Thou  didst,  by 
a  visible  sign  from  Heaven,  send  to  Thine 
Apostles  the  Holy  Ghost,  with  a  "  gi-eat  sound 
as  of  a  rushing  mighty  wind ;  and  there  ap- 
peared unto  them  cloven  tongues,  like  as  of 
fire,  and  it  sat  upon  each  of  them  "  :  that  they 
might  be  inwardly  fervent  with  love,  and  out- 
wardly ready  and  eloquent  to  preach ;  boldly 
setting  forth,  as  the  Holy  Ghost  inspired  and 


Miditutioiis  0)1   the   Life  of  Chrisi.      )5Gl 

gave  them  utterance,  all  the  wonderful  works, 
wrought  by  Thee  so  gloriously  in  the  Holy 
Laud,  for  our  Salvation. 

For  these  works  were  very  many,  and  with 
man  impossible ;  but  with  God  all  things  are 
possible,  and  very  easy. 

Then  was  fulfilled  that  which  was  foretold 
by  the  notable  Prophet,  Isaiah,  saying :  •■  The 
Law  shall  go  forth  from  Ziou,  and  the  Word 
of  the  Lord  from  Jerusalem." 

Never  were  such  wonderful  things  heard,  as 
on  this  day ;  that,  on  one  day,  so  manj^  faith- 
ful men  and  women  received  the  Holy  Ghost  in 
a  visible  sign,  and  in  tongues  of  fire ;  openly 
prophesying  and  understanding  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tui'es,  and  speaking  in  the  languages  of  all  na- 
tions ;  that  men,  unin.structed  and  unlettered, 
should,  in  the  School  of  God,  be  taught  by  the 
Holy  Ghost  so  quickly  and  so  perfectly ;  and, 
with  the  gift  of  so  much  knowledge,  shoidd 
even  shine  forth  as  workers  of  many  miracles 
and  wonders. 

O  marvellous  and  unspeakable  power  of  the 
Holy  Ghost,  who  makes  all  those  whom  He 
visits  and  sustains,  fervid  and  learned,  lowly 
and  devout,  joyous  and  strong. 

For  there  is  no  delay  in  learning,  where  the 
Holy  Ghost  is  present  as  the  inward  Teacher, 
revealing  heavenly  secrets  to  babes,  as  He  may 


362      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

see  best  for  the  furtherance  of  their  Salvation, 
and  for  the  benefit  of  others. 

He  especially  teaches  His  disciples  and  secret 
friends  to  despise  the  world ;  not  to  be  high- 
minded,  but  always  to  condescend  to  men  of 
low  estate ;  to  be  vile  in  theu*  own  eyes,  to 
avoid  honors,  to  examine  their  own  faults, 
deplore  them,  and  quickly  amend  them ;  and 
whatever,  contrary  to  the  Holy  Ghost,  lies  hid- 
den in  the  conscience,  working  remorse,  hon- 
estly and  humbly  to  confess  the  same,  however 
light  and  trivial  it  may  appear  to  the  worldly. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

A  PRAYER  OF  THANKSGmXG  TO  CHRIST  FOR 
HIS  INCARNATION,  PASSION,  RESURRECTION, 
AND  ASCENSION  :  AND  FOR  SENDING  THE  HOLY 
GHOST  WITH  A  FULLER  OUTPOURING  OF  GIFTS. 

OMOST  sweet  Lord  Jesu  Christ,  Thou 
Lover  of  my  eternal  Salvation,  I,  a  poor 
frail  man,  unworthy  of  any  comfort  and  bene- 
fit, together  with  all  the  Saints  and  Thine  Elect, 
bless  and  glorify  Thy  holy  Name  for  ever. 

And  especially  do  I  give  thanks  to  Thee,  my 
God,  that,  of  Thy  great  love  and  compassion. 
Thou  wert  wdhng  to  become  man  for  me,  to 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      363 

take  my  nature,  and,  beyond  the  course  of  na- 
ture', to  be  conceived  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  won- 
derfullj^  born  and  nourished  of  the  Blessed 
Virgin  Mary,  to  be  circumcised  and  j)resented 
in  the  Temple,  that  Thou  mig-htest  eleanse  me 
of  all  impurity  of  mind  and  body,  and  teach 
me  to  live  a  godly,  righteous,  and  sober  life. 

Still  more  do  I  thank  Thee,  for  Thy  most  holy 
and  bitter  Passion ;  and,  every  day  and  hour  of 
my  life,  shall  I  do  so  ;  because  f oi-  me  Thou  didst 
deign  to  suffer  on  the  Cross,  die,  and  to  be  buried ; 
that,  by  Thy  innocent  Death,  Thou  mightest  de- 
liver me  from  eternal  death,  and  strengthen  me 
by  Thy  example  to  suffer  adversity. 

I  thank  Thee  again  most  joyfully,  that,  for 
my  comfort.  Thou  didst,  on  the  third  day,  rise 
again  from  the  grave,  and  didst  appear  with 
great  joy  to  Thy  disciples  in  a  closed  upper 
room,  that  I  may  not  despair  in  my  day  of 
trouble,  or  in  any  loss  and  danger ;  but  have 
in  Thee  full  confidence  of  my  deliverance  fi-om 
the  evils  of  this  life,  and  a  firm  hope  that  Thou 
wilt,  at  the  last  day,  raise  me  together  with 
Thine  Elect  unto  eternal  Life. 

And,  I  also  most  devotedly  thank  Thee,  in- 
wardly rejoicing  heart  and  voice,  for  Thy  solemn 
procession  and  glorious  Ascension  into  Heaven, 
in  the  presence  of  Thy  holy  Mother,  and  others 
Thy  disciples. 


364      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Because  Thou  wentest  before  me  to  prepare 
a  place,  that  I  might  be  with  Thyself ;  and  to 
opeu  to  me,  by  Thy  Cross  and  Passion,  the  gate 
of  the  heavenly  Kingdom  : 

Where,  with  the  Angels,  Thou  now  livest 
and  reignest  in  the  glory  of  Thy  Father,  until 
Thou  dost  return,  at  the  end  of  the  world,  to 
judge  both  the  quick  and  the  dead ;  as  the  two 
holy  Angels,  clothed  in  white  raiment  (token 
of  the  joyfulness  of  this  sacred  Feast),  taught 
us,  who  then  appeared  to  Thy  disciples,  as  they 
were  looking  upwards  after  Thee,  towards  the 
stars  of  heaven. 

O  blessed  eyes,  which  were  permitted  to  see 
Thee  in  the  flesh !  And  blessed  ears,  which 
heard  Thee  speaking  of  the  Kingdom  of 
Heaven  !  What  more  delightful  to  be  heard  f 
What  more  blissful  to  be  enjoyed  ? 

For  me,  then,  Thou  didst  ascend  into  the 
highest  Heavens,  above  all  the  orders  of  An- 
gels; where  is  the  habitation  of  the  Blessed, 
who  reign  with  Thee  now  in  exceeding  great 
glory. 

That  all  my  hope  may  tend  heavenwards, 
and  yearn  towards  Thee ;  and  never  rest  in 
things  earthly,  nor  delight  therein. 

For  all  is  vain  and  passing,  all  loss  and  un- 
reality, that  is  not  my  God. 

Every  thing,  also,  must  be  despised  and  cast 


Meditations  on  ihr  Life  of  Christ.      365 

aside  which  di-aws  me  back  from  my  (lod,  and 
hinders  me  from  devoutly  praying:,  and  medi- 
tating: on  heavenly  thin<rs. 

Therefore,  I  beseech  Thee,  O  loving  Jesu, 
King  of  eternal  glory,  in  the  kingdom  of  Thy 
Father,  remember  me,  Thy  poor  one  ;  and  send 
to  me  now  from  Heaven  the  Holy  (rhost,  the 
Comforter,  to  be  my  true  solace,  with  a  fresh 
fers'or,  and  a  fuller  pouring  forth  of  the  gifts 
of  the  Spirit  of  God.     Amen. 


CHAPTER  V. 

A  PRAYER  CONCERNING  THE  GIFTS  OF  THE  HOLY 
GHOST,  AGAINST  DR'ERS  DISORDERS  OF  THE 
SOUL. 

COME,  Holy  Ghost,  come  wath  aU  Thy  gifts, 
and  drive  away  from  me  Satan,  with  all 
his  idle  delusions ;  which  often  disturb  me  in 
my  prayers  and  devout  meditations. 

Come.  Thou  sweetest  wind  of  heaven,  blow 
through  the  garden  of  my  heart  with  the  warm- 
est fii-e  of  Thy  love,  and  keep  doMTi  all  evil 
affections  within  me ;  that  the  fragrance  of 
thanksgi\'ing  may  flow  forth,  with  a  shower  of 
tears,  through  my  great  sorrow  for  my  sins,  and 
at  the  sweet  remembrance  of  all  Thy  blessings. 


366      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

Come,  Thou  best  of  comforters,  and  raise  me 
from  the  abyss  of  gloomy  sadness  into  the 
brightness  of  inward  joy,  with  the  hope  of 
eternal  rest — a  reward  for  but  a  short  labor 
of  love. 

Against  weariness  of  mind  strengthen  me 
with  Thy  words,  in  the  Psalms  and  H^-mns. 
Against  the  impulse  of  anger,  grant  unto  me, 
O  God,  the  shield  of  patience. 

Against  fear,  strike  into  me  a  fear  of  death, 
and  of  eternal  torment.  For,  who  will  not 
dread  the  power  of  Thy  wrath,  and  the  punish- 
ment that  knows  no  end  ? 

Against  boasting  and  vain  glory,  cause  me 
to  study  mine  O'vvn  infirmities  and  the  vh'tues 
of  others.  Against  idle  words,  teach  me  to 
observe  silence. 

Against  wanton  laughter  bring  me  to  tears 
and  sighs.  For  it  is  better  to  weep  bitterly, 
than  to  laugh  foolishly. 

Against  curiosity  and  wandering  looks,  set 
before  me  Jesus,  Crucified  for  me. 

Against  gay  clothing,  exhibit  to  me  worms 
and  corruption.  Against  the  hists  of  the  flesh, 
lay  open  to  me  tlie  graves  of  the  dead. 

Against  excess  of  wine,  give  mv  to  drink  the 
gall  and  Adnegar  of  Christ.  Against  the  silly 
tattlings  of  the  world,  repeat  to  me  heavenly 
discourses. 


Meditatioiifi  on  ihi    Life  of  Christ.      'Mu 

Against  long  stories,  quickly  close  up  mine 
ears,  lest  poison  enter  by  their  passages. 

Against  loitering  al)out  broad  streets  and 
places  of  business,  bind  my  hands  and  feet 
with  the  cords  of  Thy  fear,  lest  I  fall  into  divers 
temptations. 

Against  melancholy  depression  and  spiritual 
sloth,  pour  into  me  the  gi-ace  of  thy  holy  unc- 
tion. 

Against  any  unfavorable  suspicion  of  an- 
other, move  me  to  a  higher  estimation  of  my 
neighbor. 

Against  any  \nx)ng  done  to  me,  strengthen 
me  to  bear  it,  and  to  avoid  all  avenging  myself ; 
lest  in  Heaven  I  lose  the  crown  of  glory,  prom- 
ised to  the  long-suffering. 

Against  the  many  diseases  of  my  soul,  bestow 
on  me  the  health-giving  odors  of  Thy  virtues, 
and  the  choicest  beauties  of  the  holy  Doctors. 

Against  any  e\dl  habit  I  may  have,  grant 
that  I  may  do  violence  to  nature,  for  the  sake 
of  Life  eternal. 

Against  the  oppressiveness  of  work,  gi-ant 
that  I  may  retain  peace  of  mind,  through  de- 
vout prayer. 

Against  distrust  during  the  many  trials  of 
life,  give  me,  O  loving  Holy  Spirit.  Thou  pres- 
ent help  in  trouble,  full  confidence  in  Thee 
through  Thy  perfect  holiness.     Amen. 


368     Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

A  PRA"iT:R  FOR  THE  GRACE  OF  DEVOTION  IN 
THE  PERFORMANCE  OF  HOLY  OFFICES,  AND 
ON  THE  CHEERFUL  PRAISE  OF  THE  ANGELS 
IN  HEAVEN. 

OHOLY  SPIRIT,  the  Comforter,  Thou 
wisest  Teacher  of  teachers,  Thou  most 
excellent  Master  of  aU  physicians '  Thou 
canst,  by  a  word  and  in  a  moment,  teach  the 
ignorant,  and  perfectly  cure  all  the  infirmities 
of  body  and  soul. 

Be  graciously  present  with  me  in  every  place 
and  season,  and  lovingly  pour  into  my  heart 
the  grace  of  devotion  when  I  am  praying,  medi- 
tating, singing,  and  reading ;  that  I  may  de- 
voutly and  diligently  go  through  my  daily 
duties  and  observe  my  vows. 

For  without  Thee  all  prayers  are  vain  and 
unfitted  for  the  ears  of  God ;  yea,  without  Thee, 
I  can  do  no  good  thing. 

In  whatever,  therefore,  I  am  deficient, 
through  my  infirmity,  do  Thou  by  Thy  grace 
mercifuUy  supply  me. 

Against  aU  terrors  of  the  night,  and  tempta- 
tions of  the  devil,  grant  me  the  gift  of  faith  in 


Meditations  on  tho   Life  of  Christ.      369 

Thy  Cross  and  Passion,  and  protect  me  thereby 
as  with  an  invincible  shield ;  lest  the  malicious 
enemy,  the  prowler  for  my  soul,  Ij^inj^  in  am- 
bush here  and  everywhere,  prevail  against  me. 

Against  weariness  in  long  night  watches,  and 
still  longer  night  readings,  give  me  grace  to 
think,  what  vast  rewards  are  laid  up  for  the 
Faithful  in  Heaven. 

To  uphold  self -denial  in  eating  and  drinking, 
vouchsafe  me  the  power  of  fasting,  together 
with  health  to  labor,  pardon  for  past  sins,  pro- 
tection against  future  ill-doing,  and  the  hope 
of  peace  eternal,  with  the  Elect  in  God's  King- 
dom, 

Against  inattention  during  Divine  Service, 
stir  me  with  songs  on  the  harp  and  psaltery ; 
in  the  words  of  David,  inspired  by  Thee,  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

And  open  to  me  the  hidden  manna  concealed 
within  the  arid  letter ;  and  precious  spices  shut 
up  in  a  box  of  seemingly  little  worth. 

Many  secret  things  indeed,  which  are  justly 
kept  from  the  wandering  and  idle,  are  laid  open 
to  the  soul  that  devoutly  prayeth  and  well  con- 
sidereth. 

Against  drowsiness  at  Morning  Prayer,  pluck 
me  sharply  by  the  ear,  that  I  may  the  more 
quickly  wake  up  to  hear  what  the  Lord  says 
unto  me  in  the  Holy  Scriptures,  in  His  Hymns 


370      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

and  Canticles ;  to  lift  up  my  heart  to  my  Grod 
in  the  Heavens,  and  to  forget  the  things  done 
on  this  earth  below. 

Drive  away  from  me  all  weariness  of  the 
body,  and  open  the  ear  of  my  heart ;  that,  in 
an  ecstasy  of  mind  I  may  be  made  meet, 
thi'ough  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  contemplate  the  se- 
crets of  Heaven ;  and  to  hear  the  voices  of  the 
holy  Angels,  praising  God  and  devoutly  sing- 
ing Psalms  to  Him,  seated  on  His  exalted 
throne. 

0  that  I  were  one  of  them  in  Heaven,  there 
to  join  them  in  their  choir  and  sing,  "  Holy, 
Holy,  Holy !  " 

They  never  grow  weary,  neither  do  they  ever 
cease  from  the  praise  of  then*  Creator ;  but,  be- 
ing filled  with  the  Holy  Spirit,  they  burn  with 
love,  they  shine  in  snowy  whiteness,  they  are 
fragrant  with  the  odor  of  spices,  they  sing 
cheerfully,  (ioutinuously,  sweetly. 

They  intone  together,  they  support  each 
other  resolutely,  they  pause  equally,  they  lov- 
ingly triumph,  they  rejoice  with  gi'eat  gladness, 
they  ineffably  surpass  themselves  in  God. 

Who  then  could  sleep  in  the  choir  through 
weariness,  when  he  thinks  on  this  great  and 
blessed  joy  of  the  Angels  in  heaven  ? 

Who  would  not  wake  up  at  the  echoing  of 
the  celestial  organs,  and  the  harmony  of  the 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      371 

musical  host,  singing  for  ever  and  ever,  with 
one  heart  and  one  voice,  "Holy,  Holy,  Holy'"? 

When  the  doors  of  heaven  are  shaken  by  the 
mighty  shout  of  Angels,  shall  \il(i  man  be 
silent  ? 

When  the  stones  of  the  heavenly  temple  cry 
out,  and  the  Nine  Orders  make  a  joyful  noise 
unto  God,  shall  the  sons  of  God  on  earth  be 
lost  in  sloth  ? 

Behold  the  sun  and  the  moon  serve  Uod  by 
giving  light,  and  will  ye  sleep  ?     God  forbid  ! 

The  holy  Apostle  Paid  says:  ''Awake  to 
righteousness  and  sin  not." 

Sleep  not,  be  not  slothful,  let  there  be  no 
hurr^dug,  no  discord,  but  with  all  reverence  and 
devotion  stand  and  sing,  and  with  one  accord 
offer,  to  the  praise  of  God,  sacrifices  of  thanks- 
giving. 

For  the  jo}-ful  praise  of  the  lips  is  ])leasing 
to  God ;  if  outwardly  the  voice  be  in  harmony, 
and  inwardly  there  be  the  attention  of  a  pure 
mind. 

For  the  highest  enjoyment  in  social  gather- 
ings, and  the  greatest  charm  in  organs  and 
songs,  is  harmony  of  voices,  with  cheerfulness 
of  countenant^e.  and  honesty  of  bearing. 

0  how  beautiful  and  holy  the  society,  where 
the  Holy  Spirit  is  present  and  controls ;  where 
among  the  brethren  is  found  love  in  the  heart, 


372      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

truth  in  the  mouth,  and  piety  in  the  life ;  every- 
where peace  without  guile,  and  free  of  aU  de- 
ception. 

True  brotherhood  is  that  which  is  never  dis- 
turbed by  strife,  not  injui'ed  by  labor,  not  over- 
come by  grievances. 

Because  the  love  of  God  is  shed  abroad  in 
oiu'  hearts  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  which  is  given 
to  the  humble  and  contrite,  to  the  needy,  the 
meek  and  the  peacemakers ;  and  to  aU  who  are 
ready,  night  and  day,  to  do  that  which  is  good, 
to  the  praise  and  glory  of  God. 

These  are  the  works  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  who 
still  worketh  many  good  works  in  His  faithful 
people,  "  dividing  to  each  one  severally  even  as 
He  will ;  "  provided  they  prepare  themselves  for 
grace,  and  diligently  guard  their  heart  in  every 
thought  and  deed. 

Great  and  arduous  is  the  labor  to  keep  the 
heart  from  wandering  in  prayer,  and  to  unite 
the  mind  to  God  in  spiritual  contemplation. 

And,  though  our  spirit  often  fails  of  that 
which  is  good,  and  is  consumed  of  evil,  giving 
heed  to  vanity ;  still,  the  Holy  Ghost,  coming 
again,  rebukes  our  heart,  pricks  it,  wounds, 
anoints  and  heals  it. 

He  instincts  and  enlightens;  He  himibles 
through  daily  transgi-essions,  and  lifts  up 
through  inward  consolations ;  He  refreshes  by 


Meditniions  on  ihc  Life  of  Christ.      373 

frequent  prayers,  and  purifies  by  bitter  lamen- 
tations. 

O  Sanctifier,  Ruler,  and  Guardian  of  all  the 
Faithful,  Pardoner  of  all  sinners,  Restorer  of 
innocence,  Consoler  of  the  sorrowful ;  O  God, 
the  Holy  Ghost,  0  Thou  Lord  the  Comforter, 
Who  art  gracious  and  full  of  compassion,  and 
the  most  tender  soother  of  babes  in  Chi-ist,  turn 
all  that  is  evil  within  me  into  good,  and  the 
good  ever  into  that  which  is  better. 

Sorrow  into  joy ;  wandering  into  a  straight 
path  ;  ignorance  into  knowledge  of  the  truth  ; 
lukewarmness  into  fervor ;  fear  into  love  ;  every 
bodily  good  into  a  spiritual  gift;  all  earthly 
yeanlings  into  heavenly  desires;  eveni:hing 
transient  into  that  which  is  eternal ;  everything 
himian  into  the  di\ine  ;  every  created  and  finite 
blessing  into  the  highest,  infinite  and  bound- 
less good  ;  for  Thou  art  my  God  and  my  Sav- 
iour. 

O  ray  God,  my  tiiie  and  eternal  Salvation, 
guard  me  from  everv'  present  e\'il ;  ft)rgive  that 
which  is  past,  and  deliver  me  from  all  future 
danger  by  the  bounteous  grace  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  which  Thou  didst  on  this  day  pour 
forth,  with  copious  blessing,  into  the  hearts  of 
the  Apostles,  that  they  might  preach  Thy  Word 
unto  all  nations.     Amen. 


374      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

ON  THE  PREACHENG  OF  THE  APOSTLES,  AND 
PROCLAIMDsG  THE  HOLY  NAME  OF  OUR  LORD 
JESUS  CHRIST,  THROUGHOUT  THE  WORLD,  FOR 
THE   SALVATION   OF   JIAN. 

I  BLESS  and  give  Thee  thanks,  O  Lord  Jesu 
Christ  of  Nazareth,  Thou  Son  of  the  Most 
High  God,  eternally  blessed  above  all  Saints, 
because  on  this  day,  when  the  Holy  Ghost,  sent 
into  the  world  by  Thee,  came  in  the  visible 
form  of  fh'e,  the  hearts  of  the  Faithful  were  in- 
visibly inflamed  with  the  love  and  praise  of 
Thy  Holy  Name ; 

Then  forthwith  Thy  Apostles  cast  away  aU 
fear,  and  that  Name,  glorified  by  the  Father 
above  all  holy  names,  began  to  be  publicly 
preached,  praised,  spread  abroad,  and  magni- 
fied. Openly  was  it  proclaimed  before  aU  the 
people  of  Jerusalem,  and  among  the  Gentiles, 
from  day  to  day  to  be  exalted,  honored,  and 
worshipped. 

At  length,  as  the  number  of  the  disciples  in- 
creased, so  gi'eat  a  devotion  and  brotherly  love 
arose  among  all,  both  men  and  women,  that 
they  were  one  in  faith  and  holy  living;  and 


Meditntiona  <m   fJir   Lifr  of  Christ.       375 

were  all  of  one  heart,  and  one  soul,  tlirongh 
love  perfected  in  God. 

No  one  soug^ht  liis  own,  but  Christ's.  All 
private  possessions  were  used  for  the  connnon 
good  in  the  Holy  Primitive  Church,  gathered 
together  in  the  Holy  Ghost. 

So  great  also  was  the  joy,  peace,  and  unity 
among  them,  that  no  one  called  anything  his 
own,  nor  held  any  thing  as  his  own ;  but  all 
rejoiced  to  have  in  God  all  things  in  common, 
and  to  distribute  to  the  needy. 

And  this  holy  and  heavenly  life,  the  blessed 
Apostles  were  first  taught  b}'  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ  Himself,  and  afterwards  were  careful  to 
observe  it.  And  they  retained  it  untU  the  end 
of  their  daj's,  when  they  died,  as  niartjTs,  for 
the  faith  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 

I  praise  and  bless  Thee,  O  Holy  Father, 
Almighty  Everlasting  God,  with  Thine  Only- 
Begotten  Son,  and  the  Holy  Ghost,  the  Com- 
forter, for  all  the  loving-kindnesses  and  spirit- 
ual gifts,  which  Thou  didst  once  vouchsafe  to 
Thine  Elect  Friends,  and  the  holy  Patriarchs 
and  Prophets ;  to  whom,  in  times  past.  Thou 
didst  by  words  and  signs  reveal,  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  the  secrets  of  Thy  wisdom,  and  the 
judgments  of  Thy  mouth  ;  and  more  especially 
the  mystery  of  Thy  glorious  Incarnation. 

But,  after  Thv  coming,  0  holv  Jesu,  manv 


376      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

more  hidden  things  of  the  Scriptures  didst 
Thou  Thyself  reveal  and  expound  more  fully ; 
and  things,  which  the  babes  in  Christ  could  not 
yet  receive,  Thou  didst  lovingly  leave,  till  the 
sending  down  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 

And,  what  is  still  further  wonderful  and 
praiseworthy.  Thou  didst  suddenly  inflame  the 
rude  minds  of  the  Apostles  with  the  fire  of  the 
Holy  Ghost.  Those  above  the  wise  of  the 
world,  chosen  out  of  its  vanities  and  devoted 
to  Thee,  them  Thou  didst  perfectly  instruct 
within,  and  strengthen  them  to  convert  the 
whole  world. 

I  praise  and  give  Thee  honor,  0  ever  glori- 
ous Jesu  Christ,  all-holy  Enlightener  and  Re- 
storer of  all  mankind,  for  the  conversion  and 
gathering  together  of  multitudes,  whom  Thou 
didst  assemble  in  the  unity  of  the  Catholic 
Faith  and  Apostolic  Doctrine,  from  all  parts 
of  the  eai-th,  and  from  nations  of  many  lan- 
guages. Theirs  it  was  to  honor  Thy  sweet  and 
Holy  Name,  in  hymns,  and  psalms,  and  spirit- 
ual songs ;  and  so,  to  devoutly  celebrate  in  all 
places  and  churches  the  sacred  Festival  of  the 
Holy  Ghost. 

During  which  many  marvellous  things,  that 
were  done  in  those  days,  are  recited  in  God's 
House,  so  that  even  the  common  people,  to- 
gether with  the  princes  and  nobles,  hear  the 


Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ.      377 

divine  works,  which,  for  the  Salvation  of  be- 
lievers, the  Holy  Ghost  has  wrought  on  earth 
from  the  beginning  of  the  world,  and  will  not 
cease  to  work,  until  the  Day  of  Judgment. 

For,  if  God  be  for  us,  who  can  be  against 
us?  Wherefore,  in  the  Psabn  the  Holy  Ghost 
exhorts  all  the  Faithful,  saying,  "  Bless  ye  God 
in  the  congregations,  even  the  Lord,  from  the 
fountain  of  Israel."  There  is  little  Ben'a- 
min,  rapturously  contemplating  the  things  of 
Heaven,  forsaking  all  that  is  earthl}'-. 

Blessed  are  those  servants,  who  gladly  hasten 
to  sing  the  Lord's  song,  and,  together  with  the 
Angels,  rejoice  to  bless  God. 

Blessed  are  they  who  despise  outAvard  vani- 
ties, and  wholly  turn  their  hearts  to  God ;  that 
they  may  receive  the  gi'ace  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
by  which  they  may  overcome  all  carnal  affec- 
tions, and  resist  Satan. 

For  gi'cater  far  and  stronger  is  the  power 
and  gi*ace  of  the  Holy  Ghost  to  effect  good,  than 
of  the  spirit  of  darkness  to  work  evil. 

I  bless  and  praise  Thee,  dearest  Jesu,  for  the 
great  favor  and  wisdom  given  to  Thine  Apos- 
tles, empowering  them  to  preach  Thy  Word 
boldly,  before  all  that  dwell  in  Jenisalem,  and 
Judfpa,  and  in  Samaria,  even  unto  the  ends  of 
the  earth. 

And  especially  for  their  constancy  and  per- 


378      Meditations  on  the  Life  of  Christ. 

severance.  They  remained  true  to  the  faith, 
when  their  citizens  were  persecuted  ;  rejoicing 
for  Thy  Name's  sake  to  suffer  contempt,  to  be 
imprisoned,  to  be  scom-ged,  to  be  tormented 
with  hunger,  and  tortured  with  punishments 
of  divers  kinds. 

All  these  trials  seemed  light  and  of  small  ac 
count,  in  comparison  with  the  crown  of  eternal 
Life,  and  the  gi-eatness  of  the  glory  to  be  re- 
vealed; as  also  the  blessed  Paul  says,  "the 
sufferings  of  the  present  time  are  not  w^orthy 
to  be  compared  with  the  future  glory,  which 
shall  be  revealed  in  us." 

Which  glory,  O  most  loving  Jesus,  Thou  Son 
of  God,  in  Thy  most  gracious  compassion,  and 
by  the  boundless  love  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  do 
Thou,  after  the  bitter  and  perilous  struggles 
in  this  life,  deign  to  gi-ant  unto  me. 

Who  with  the  Father  and  the  same  Holy 
Spirit,  livest  and  reignest,  Three  Persons  and 
One  God,  co-equal  in  glory,  for  ever  and  ever. 
Amen. 


Date  Due               C,^ 

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